In Episode 5 of What Hones You, co-hosts Trevor Wittman and Luke Caudillo sit down with Fares Ziam to explore what discipline actually looks like inside a UFC career.
This is not a conversation about hype. It’s about standards. About staying composed under pressure. About sharpening decision-making in chaos. Ziam opens up about his evolution as a professional fighter, the mental structure behind his preparation, and how maturity changes the way you approach the fight game.
The result is a grounded, technical look at what it takes to compete — and endure — at the elite level of MMA.
Who Is Fares Ziam?
Fares Ziam is a UFC lightweight known for his composure, calculated striking, and steady progression inside one of the sport’s most competitive divisions. Representing France on the global stage, Ziam has built his reputation on technical precision, improved fight IQ, and a disciplined approach to growth.
Rather than chasing moments, he focuses on mastery.
His evolution reflects the mindset of a long-term athlete — one who understands that sustainable success in the UFC is built on internal standards, not emotional swings.
“Discipline is what stays when emotions fade.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• How emotional control impacts fight IQ
• Why maturity changes your performance ceiling
• The difference between reacting and calculating
• How elite fighters manage pressure before and during a fight
• Why discipline matters more than motivation
• How small technical adjustments compound over time
• What long-term growth looks like inside the UFC
• The role of coaching in refining decision-making
“If you’re calm, you see more.”
Key Themes Covered
Discipline Over Emotion
Elite fighters do not rely on adrenaline. They rely on preparation and structure.
Fight IQ Is Built, Not Given
Decision-making under pressure is trained through repetition and reflection.
Composure Creates Opportunity
The calmer athlete sees more openings. Emotional control increases clarity.
Maturity Expands Performance
Growth inside the UFC is as much psychological as it is physical.
Standards Drive Longevity
Championship-level performance comes from daily standards — not fight-week intensity.
“Fight IQ comes from experience — but only if you’re willing to learn.”
In this episode of What Hones You, the conversation centers on performance mindset, fight IQ, and the internal standards required to compete in the UFC. Through the lens of Fares Ziam’s journey, listeners gain insight into how discipline, composure, and deliberate preparation shape elite-level outcomes.
This episode speaks to fighters, coaches, and competitors who value growth over hype — and who understand that longevity in combat sports depends on standards, not emotion.
“The goal isn’t just to win. It’s to improve.”
