While his opponent may be the one known for putting on barnburners, UFC lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot has vowed to be the one thrilling the masses this weekend.
Gamrot is set to feature in one of the most notable matchups on the lineup for Saturday's UFC 305 pay-per-view event in Perth, Australia. Inside the RAC Arena, "Gamer" will face off against one of Oceania's fan favorites, Dan "The Hangman" Hooker.
The bout sees the #5-ranked Gamrot fighting six places down the ladder despite winning three straight to secure a spot in the title picture. Nevertheless, the Polish 33-year-old sees Hooker's name value as worthy of a championship opportunity should he emerge victorious.
For that to be the case, however, Gamrot knows more than a win will be required on August 17. And having had his grappling-heavy wins over Jalin Turner and Rafael dos Anjos criticized by some in recent times, "Gamer" is planning fireworks Down Under...
Gamrot On UFC 305 Goals: 'I Need New Highlights'
During a recent interview with Home of Fight, Gamrot looked ahead to his second Octagon assignment of 2024 and described his goals for the UFC 305 showdown.
More than just exiting Perth with another triumph added to his streak, "Gamer" is looking to do away with criticisms of how his recent fights have been won by putting an entertaining exclamation mark on his performance opposite Hooker.
I know that I can beat him only with my wrestling. But I know this time I need to give a more entertaining fight. I want to finish him on the ground," Gamrot said. "But of course, this is mixed martial arts. In the beginning, you fight on the feet. I need to put my hands to him. I want to give a really good fight. I know I am number five in the rankings. If I want to fight for the belt in the future, I need to finish him.
I need new highlights," Gamrot continued. "Of course, this is for myself. For me, the most important is winning. A win is a win. But I know how is politics in the UFC, and the people love when you go to the cage and you finish the opponent. If this is three rounds, I will be also happy, you know? But I would like for myself to do something special. I know if I finish him, my way to the top will be really closer.
By all accounts, Arman Tsarukyan is next in line for a shot at Makhachev's lightweight gold upon his recovery from injury.
With Gamrot boasting a main event victory over the Russian-Armenian contender on his record, another victory this weekend to cement his spot in the top five would no doubt go a long way to securing him his first shot at gold on MMA's biggest stage.
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