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Although Islam Makhachev has been heavily taunted for being promoted and lauded by his comrade Hall of famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, but he still remains a major threat in the lightweight division. The Dagestani warrior is on a 10-fight win streak and has dominated each of his fight. Mateusz Gamrot has found Islam Makhachev as a worthy opponent when he finally gets his title shot.
Gamrot (21-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) might make a significant breakthrough if he defeats Beneil Dariush on October 22 at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. He is getting closer to being in the lightweight title picture. Oliveira lost the lightweight strap earlier this year as a result of a disastrous weight-cut attempt before to UFC 274. He'll compete against Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé who wants to succeed him as the next Dagestani UFC champion and Gamrot predicts Makhachev will emerge as victorious.
“This is my dream fight,” Gamrot said in an interview with MMA News. “When I train MMA, I’m thinking about I want to fight with the best guys. Islam is for sure the best in this division, I think future champ. I think my fight with Islam is gonna be the biggest fight in Europe ever.”
Islam has an excellent ability to wrestle and has controlled most of his fight through it. Gamrot, a former two-division KSW champion, predicts Makhachev to win but does not expect him to finish Oliveira.
“This is gonna be a great fight,” Gamrot said. “I think if Islam doesn’t make stupid mistakes in this fight, he should win. I think my pick is gonna be Islam beating Oliveira. … I think this is gonna be a decision.”
Gamrot must defeat the streaking Dariush, who he concedes is a skilled grappler like himself, before he can face Makhachev as he wants.
“Dariush is a tough opponent,” Gamrot said. “All-around, big, strong, high-level wrestling and jiu-jitsu. This guy is one of the best in the lightweight division. I’m super excited, but I’m super ready.”
Mateusz Gamrot has quickly ascended the ladder after joining the UFC in 2020. After five UFC fights, "Gamer" is already listed No. 9 in the lightweight division and has defeated three of his opponents by knockout. Gamrot recently defeated the highly regarded Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night in June. 'Gamer' was forced to accept a unanimous decision victory after failing to secure a finish.
