LAS VEGAS – Mateusz Gamrot finds himself nearing the top five of the UFC official rankings, yet he’s fighting an unranked opponent this weekend.
Gamrot (24-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) takes on Ludovit Klein (23-4-1 MMA, 7-2-1 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 68 (ESPN, ESPN+) – which takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex. Gamrot admits it’s not the fight he wanted, as he was hoping for someone in the rankings. However, he basically had no choice, as he spent months trying to get matched up with ranked opposition.
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“This was like hard to get the opponent,” Gamrot said at Wednesday’s media day. “I came to Florida in January. I hope that I get to fight soon, but this moment, like everyone was booked from the ranking, and I put pressure on UFC like, ‘Ok, guys. If everyone is busy, give me guys without ranking. It doesn’t matter to me. I want to stay active this year. I want to fight.’ And that’s why I’m fighting Ludovit Klein today.”
Gamrot, 34, is coming off a split decision loss to Dan Hooker last August in Australia. Prior to the defeat, he was on a three-fight winning streak and 7-1 in his last eight fights.
The American Top Team fighter feels success in the UFC is not just winning, but also putting on a show. That’s why he intends to finish Klein come Saturday.
“Of course, it’s better if you get guys from the rankings, and you beat them, and you move up in the ranking, but I know the most important for the UFC is to put on good performances in the cage,” Gamrot said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s against guys in the ranking or no ranking. If you finish this guy, your positions move up. This is my mindset and my career is a fantastic journey.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 107’s Mateusz Gamrot having trouble getting ranked opponents
