Former KSW double champ Mateusz Gamrot returned to action Saturday at UFC Vegas 23. Gamrot’s debut in the promotion last year had been hotly anticipated, but he had dropped a split decision loss — a dubious one, to be fair — to Guram Kutateladze. For his sophomore appearance, he was up against Scott Holtzman, a six-year veteran of the promotion coming off a loss to top lightweight Beneil Dariush.
Poland’s Gamrot would need to quell the fire that was “Hot Sauce” Holtzman on Saturday. It was Holtzman, whoever, connecting clean first. Gamrot shot for a takedown, but the attempt was sloppy and Gamrot ended up off-balance. A second attempt later was much cleaner, but Holtzman popped up — only for Gamrot to sit down, grabbing into a leg, looking for a submission. “Hot Sauce” wisely, and quickly, pulled free and backed off.
Back on the feet, Gamrot landed a right, but Holtzman landed some heavy leather of his own. When Gamrot closed the distance and engaged a body lock, he was able to chop at the ankles of Holtzman. Off the break, he clipped Holtzman on the ear, who complained about the punch being to the back of the head — but it appeared clean, and the ref told Holtzman as much.
Early in the second, Gamrot was looking to the takedown, practically diving in on Holtzman’s leg. Eventually he did get Holtzman down, but he could not keep the American there. Then, the game-changer: Gamrot connected with a heavy right hand, the cross off a 1-2. Holtzman was wobbled, and Mateusz moved in for the kill, landing several strikes while Holtzman was on his knees, unable to even cover up.
Stops him in his tracks!!!
@Gamer_MMA locks in the 1-2 down the middle 👊 #UFCVegas23 pic.twitter.com/YWV5dAnHtj
— UFC (@ufc) April 10, 2021
Official Result: Mateusz Gamrot def. Scott Holtzman by knockout, Round 2, 1:22
