Guram Kutateladze and Mateusz Gamrot delivered in their promotional debuts at UFC Fight Island 6, battling to a split decision that favored Kutateladze.
Polish star Mateusz Gamrot made his highly-anticipated debut at UFC Fight Island 6 against Georgian Guram Kutateladze. There is a great amount of hype surrounding Gamrot as the lightweight has dominated high-level Polish promotion KSW, which was the home of current light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. Gamrot was 17-0-1 with nine stoppages heading into his promotional debut.
Kutateladze is the latest to join the wave of Georgian UFC fighters who have had an excellent run this year, combining for a 6-0 record. Coming into Kutateladze’s debut against Gamrot with a 10-2 record and an eight-fight win streak.
Kutateladze started the fight with a strong body kick right away then had one blocked. Gamrot grabbed a single leg and drove Kutateladze down quickly. Kutateladze tried to establish a rubber guard, but Gamrot broke free of that grip and re-established top position. He then tried a heel hook and Gamrot countered with one of his own, bringing the fight back to the feet. Another crushing body kick came through for Kutateladze and Gamrot began to start throwing the jab. A leg kick landed for Kutateladze, who then avoided a takedown and connected with another body kick. Gamrot shot for a takedown and was nearly caught with an illegal kick, causing a brief pause in the action. The kicks from Kutateladze continued to fly as the round came to a close.
A huge left hand knocked down Gamrot right out of the gate in the second round. Gamrot grabbed a leg quickly and got back to his feet. Kutateladze went to his kicks, throwing an axe kick and a wheel kick, but both came up short. Gamrot drove Kutateladze to the canvas, but the Georgian quickly got back to his feet, throwing and connecting with a combination. With about 90 seconds left in the round, Gamrot caught a low kick and secured a takedown. Kutateladze went to an omoplata and Gamrot broke free in guard. Kutateladze went to the rubber guard and was able to stand up. Before the end of the round, Gamrot had a takedown defended and landed a slick right hook.
Straight out of the gate! Don't sleep on @Guram_Dze's power! #UFCFightIsland6 pic.twitter.com/vTJ3AEXSKy
— UFC (@ufc) October 17, 2020
Gamrot fought hard for a takedown and Kutateladze defended beautifully, landing a crisp body kick on the way up. Gamrot went right back to it and this time got Kutateladze down for a bit. Kutateladze was able to work his way up the cage then defended a deep single leg takedown. Gamrot caught Kutateladze with a front kick, then hit a gorgeous double-leg takedown. He defended another omoplata as the round came to an end.
Surprisingly, Kutateladze disagreed with the split decision that gave him the win in his promotional debut.
Guram Kutateladze def. Mateusz Gamrot by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
