Lightweight Mateusz Gamrot returns to action at UFC Vegas 107 this Saturday, ending an extended layoff that had little to do with injury or illness.
Gamrot (24-3, 1NC) will face L’udovit Klein at the UFC Apex, an opponent that isn’t ranked, and doesn’t necessarily have the hugest profile. What Klein does offer is a seven-fight unbeaten streak, and frankly, the willingness to show up.
“This was like, hard to get an opponent. I came to Florida in like January, I hoped that I got a fight soon, but as this moment everybody was booked from the rankings,” recalled Gamrot during this week’s UFC Vegas 107 media day. “So I put pressure to the UFC, like ‘okay guys if everybody is busy, give me guys without rankings.”
“Doesn’t matter to me, I want to stay active this year, I want to fight.’ That’s why I fight with L’udovit Klein today.”
Staying busy is key for Gamrot, he explained when asked about what he really gets out of the fight. And he believes that a finish will inch him forward even with Klein outside the top 15 at 155lbs.
“I am a sportsman. I work hard every day, I’m healthy, my body is good, 34 years old. I want to stay active, I want to fight with the best guys,” he stated. “Of course, better if you get guys from rankings and beat him and you move up in the rankings. But I know the most important in UFC is put on a good performance in the cage. And doesn’t matter if guys, without ranking, no ranking, if you finish this guy, your position moves up.”
Klein referred to his career as a “fantastic journey,” adding that he wants to enjoy both his career and life. But he knows Klein remains a dangerous opponent. “High-level striker, very explosive, very good kicks, high kick, all kicks. He has good wrestling defense statistics, but the question is, who tried to take him down?” In Gamrot’s opinion, those who attempted to take Klein down in the past were not high-level wrestlers. “I want to ruin his statistic this fight,” he added, before saying as well that he wanted “to be brave” and exchange punches on the feet also.
Watch the full UFC Vegas 107 media day appearance by Mateusz Gamrot above.
