UFC Fight Island 6: Who is lightweight Mateusz Gamrot?
By Ivan Surlina
Who is UFC lightweight newcomer and former KSW double champion Mateusz Gamrot?
It’s always great when we get to see champions in other organizations finally cross over and compete in the UFC, but how about a double champ? Former KSW featherweight and lightweight champion Mateusz Gamrot has recently been signed by the promotion and will make his debut this weekend at UFC Fight Island 6.
Gamrot was originally slated to face Magomed Mustafaev in a lightweight contest, but Mustafaev was forced to withdraw so the Poland native will now square off against fellow newcomer Guram Kutateladze to round off the preliminary card on ESPN+. Gamrot (17-0, 1 NC) is a fighter that has been on the radar of fight fans for years, and at 29 years old, now seems like a perfect time to make a name for himself in the UFC. He is right up there with the top 25 in the division and could very well find himself fighting ranked opponents sooner rather than later. Gamrot has nine stoppages in his career, five coming via TKO and four by way of submission.
Fans might remember Gamrot from his trilogy with former UFC veteran and The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes winner Norman Parke. The pair have fought three times now, with Gamrot winning the first and the third fight, and the second meeting ending in a no contest after an eye poke.
Coming into the UFC as a double champion with an undefeated record certainly puts a target on your back, but Gamrot has been in big fights before and is really able to mix it up well on the feet as well as on the ground. Gamrot has serious skill on the mat, winning the ADCC European Championships twice and competing at the 2019 ADCC World Championships where he fell short in the opening round to Garry Tonon.
How will Mateusz Gamrot fare in the UFC?
Gamrot is a legitimate prospect at the moment and has proved time and time again that he belongs with the best fighters in the world at lightweight. Oddsmakers currently have him listed as a -315 favorite for his bout this weekend, so expect a solid Gamrot win here barring an injury or some heroic efforts from Kutateladze. Not to say Kutateladze can’t pull off the upset, but Gamrot should be able to handle him given his experience and overall technique. Kutateladze currently sits at 11-2 riding an eight-fight winning streak having mainly competed in Brave FC in his last few fights.
Gamrot will certainly be tested during his UFC tenure, but most fans and analysts would agree that he has the potential to land in the top 15 and beyond at some point. Look out for Gamrot vs. Kutateladze on the prelims to see how Gamrot fares in his UFC debut and if he can grab a finish and really impress.
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