The Battle for Lightweight Supremacy: Fiziev vs. Gamrot at UFC Fight Night

UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs. Mateusz Gamrot

A Clash of Lightweight Contenders

Two of the lightweight division’s most promising contenders, Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot, are set to face off in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Both fighters have had their fair share of high-profile losses, but they are eager to continue their push to the top of the division. Fiziev, with a record of 12-2, suffered defeat at the hands of perennial title challenger Justin Gaethje, while Gamrot, with a record of 22-2, 1 NC, faced a setback against Beneil Dariush.

In reflecting on their defeats, both Fiziev and Gamrot have acknowledged the valuable lessons they learned. Fiziev admits that he did not fight smart enough to secure victory in his biggest fight to date, allowing his emotions to control him instead of his brain. On the other hand, Gamrot acknowledges that his conditioning was a factor in his loss against Dariush, and he recognizes the technicality and high-level striking in Fiziev’s fight against Gaethje.

Striking vs. Grappling

Fiziev and Gamrot offer contrasting styles, with Fiziev being a skilled striker and Gamrot known for his high-level grappling. While Fiziev anticipated a striking battle in his fight against Gaethje, he recognizes that Gamrot will likely aim to make the fight an uglier affair on the ground. Fiziev is determined not to concede positions and promises to stand back up every time he is taken down.

Gamrot, on the other hand, has shown resilience after his loss to Dariush, bouncing back with a victory over Jalin Turner. A victory over Fiziev would put Gamrot within reach of a title opportunity.

Co-Main Event: Bryce Mitchell vs. Dan Ige

In the co-main event, featherweight fighters Bryce Mitchell and Dan Ige will face off. Mitchell looks to bounce back from his first career loss to Ilia Topuria, while Ige aims to secure a signature win that would bring him closer to the elite of the division.

Mitchell, a talented submission specialist, has expressed his growth and maturity since his last fight, emphasizing the valuable lessons he has learned. He acknowledges Ige as a worthy and dangerous opponent, promising fight fans an exciting showdown.

Undercard Previews

The UFC Fight Night card also features other exciting matchups, including a rematch between Marina Rodriguez and Michelle Waterson in the women’s strawweight division. Rodriguez secured a unanimous decision victory over Waterson in their previous meeting in 2021. Additionally, there will be a welterweight showdown between Bryan Battle and AJ Fletcher, as well as a 145-pound clash between Charles Jourdain and Ricardo Ramos to open the main card.

Prediction: Fiziev vs. Gamrot

Both fighters enter the main event with distinct advantages. Fiziev boasts an impressive 90% takedown defense, but his last three opponents have managed to take him down. Gamrot, a skilled wrestler, has successfully executed takedowns against formidable opponents such as Dariush and Tsarukyan.

However, what sets Fiziev apart is his focus on quickly getting back up when he is taken down, rather than solely relying on stopping every takedown attempt. It would be unwise for Gamrot to engage in a stand-up striking battle, as he has been knocked down by his previous opponents.

Endurance will play a crucial role in this contest, especially in the later rounds when stamina starts to wane. If Gamrot can weather the early storm and increase his pace, he may be able to ground Fiziev and steal the late rounds. However, Fiziev’s power carries late into fights, as evidenced by his stoppages in the UFC as late as the fifth round.

Ultimately, my prediction leans towards Fiziev. He possesses the right mental approach, driven by a determination to wash away the taste of defeat. Additionally, his late-carrying power could pose significant problems for an opponent like Gamrot, who has shown vulnerabilities. I predict Fiziev will secure a knockout victory in the third round.

For detailed picks on every fight at UFC Fight Night, courtesy of an MMA expert who profited more than $6,200 in 2022, visit SportsLine.