Mateusz Gamrot ended a somewhat lengthy layoff that saw him struggle to secure opponents when he took on L’udovit Klein in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 107 on Saturday.
The pairing was an opportunity for the unranked Klein to both extended an impressive win streak and land a number next to his name. For Gamrot, it was just about staying busy after being sidelined for no good reason. Trying to prove he was still amongst the division’s elite, the betting favorite Gamrot was looking to get back in the win column after dropping a split decision against Dan Hooker.
To start the first round Gamrot pressed forward as Klein retreated, landing a quality jab off the back foot. Klein threw threatening punches but Gamrot quickly got to the clinch and forced the fight to the fence. Against the cage Gamrot was able to secure a takedown where he remained in control for over two minutes in the round. Klein looked explosive on the feet, but was unable to keep himself standing in the opening five minutes.
Immediately to start the second round Gamrot came out looking to secure another takedown. Inside the first thirty seconds, Gamrot was able to grab Klein’s leg and again drag his opponent to the ground. This was a a signature grappling performance from Gamrot who has some of the best top control and cardiovascular conditioning in the division. For the next three minutes Gamrot remained in full guard landing quality ground and pound, suffocating his opponent with pressure on top. Klein attempted to scramble to his feet with a minute remaining and Gamrot landed a glancing head kick on the break. Klein attempted a spinning back kick in the last ten seconds, but Gamrot saw the strike coming and got out of danger.
Down two rounds L’udovit Klein needed a finish to earn a victory in this contest. Gamrot shot for a takedown in the first thirty seconds but Klein defended returning to his feet. Klein started to pressure Gamrot to the fence and landed a knee that momentarily dropped the Polish Contender. Gamrot circled to the center of the cage, as Klein landed a solid kick to the body. Fighting out of the southpaw stance, Klein landed a straight left and knee to the body in the final frame. Gamrot forced a scramble with 90 seconds remaining in the round and landed another takedown. Forcing his way to a dominant position, Gamrot was able to landed damaging elbows as the final horn sounded.
After three rounds the judges all scored the fight for Gamrot unanimously. Winner in four of his last five fight, Gamrot put on a dominant performance proving he is one of the best wrestlers in the Lightweight division. In his post fight interview Gamrot said he wanted to fight multiple different competitors at 155 pounds “Everybody… Everybody.. Hooker in the future, Benoit Saint Denis in Paris.. Give me this guy!”
Official Result: Mateusz Gamrot def. L’udovit Klein by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
