Mateusz Gamrot Looking to Make a Statement With a Finish Over Rafael Fiziev

Mateusz Gamrot (22-2) will take on Rafael Fiziev (12-2) in a potential lightweight banger in the main event at “UFC Vegas 79” on Sept. 23. While “Gamer” quickly earned a reputation for being a lethal finisher with three consecutive stoppage wins in 2021, he has gone the distance in his last three.

Gamrot earned a closely contested decision victory over Arman Tsarukyan in his first Ultimate Fighting Championship headliner opportunity in June 2022. This came before he dropped a somewhat lopsided decision to Beneil Dariush later in October of the same year. The former KSW two-division champ then bounced back with a split decision win over Jalin Turner at UFC 285 in March.

Currently ranked seventh at lightweight, Gamrot will look to change his reputation again when he takes on the No. 6-ranked Fiziev. The 32-year-old said during the UFC Vegas 79 media day:

“I want to make statement in this lightweight division. Of course, I am a professional fighter and for me the most important is to win this fight. But I want to show my shape and good performance, and I want to finish him.”

While Fiziev is one of the most respected strikers in one of the deepest divisions in the promotion, Gamrot believes even the best of them won’t hold up against his relentless grappling skills. The Polish prospect further told reporters:

“He’s a real dangerous opponent. A high-level, world-class striker. But I believe I am better all-around fighter. To be honest, I don’t care because of course I have much respect for Rafael, but my wrestling skills kill every striker.”