While he's still reflecting on what went wrong Down Under this past weekend, UFC lightweight Mateusz Gamrot already has a next matchup in mind.
Gamrot emerged from the UFC 305 pay-per-view event in Perth, Australia, $50,000 better off after playing his part in the Fight of the Night. But the Polish standout failed to secure his main objectives — a fourth straight win and potential title shot next time out.
Those plans were stalled by Dan Hooker, who has risen up the 155-pound pecking order by six places after falling on the right side of a split decision opposite Gamrot inside the RAC Arena.
Having lost his place in the top five, "Gamer" is now out for redemption. Not for his latest defeat, though. Gamrot has another setback he wants to avenge before the year is out...
Gamrot Targets Dariush Rematch For December.
Speaking to Polsat Sport's Paweł Wyrobek this week, Gamrot looked ahead to his plans to return to action for one more fight in 2024.
And in his bid to immediately bounce back from his loss to Hooker, the #8-ranked lightweight wants the man directly above him in the rankings — and the man who first halted his charge toward gold back in 2022.
I think December would be good to come back," Gamrot said. "If the UFC likes it too, I would like to fight Beneil Dariush. It would be good time to do this. I lost first fight with him, so I think it's good time for a rematch.
When the interviewer suggested the winner of the upcoming Paris showdown between Benoît Saint Denis and Renato Moicano as another possible option, "Gamer" reiterated that Dariush is his firm preference.
Gamrot and Dariush shared the cage at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Coming off a Fight of the Night victory over current top contender Arman Tsarukyan, "Gamer" was looking to snap his veteran opponent's lengthy losing skid to secure an opportunity at the belt.
Dariush had different plans, dropping Gamrot at one point in the fight en route to a unanimous decision verdict. The American hasn't had his hand raised since, falling via knockout to both Charles Oliveira and Tsarukyan.