UFC's Mateusz Gamrot says he'd have wrestling advantage in Islam Makhachev fight

Mateusz Gamrot considers himself the best wrestler in the UFC lightweight division.

Gamrot (24-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) meets Dan Hooker (23-12 MMA, 13-8 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC 305 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) main card at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Winner of seven of his past eight fights, Gamrot is closing in on a title shot. He is adamant that he would pose a big threat to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) on the ground. Gamrot helped Dustin Poirier prep for his title fight against Makhachev at UFC 302 in June, which “The Diamond” fell short by late submission.

“In my opinion, I am the best wrestler in the lightweight division,” Gamrot said in an interview with “Home of Fight.” “Of course, Islam is super high level, and he always shows high-level skill, but if I meet him in the cage, I think he can’t take me down, but I will (take him down). Then it’s going to be a great scramble matchup.”

Makhachev’s next title defense is expected to be Arman Tsarukyan, who Gamrot edged out in a five-round battle in June 2022. Makhachev pondered a move up to welterweight for an opportunity at a second belt, but Gamrot hopes he sticks around long enough at 155 pounds so he can fight him.

“I hope he doesn’t go up division and he stays in the lightweight division,” Gamrot continued. “Maybe not this year because we don’t have time, but next year we’ll meet together, and we’ll see who is the best wrestler in the lightweight division.”

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