Mateusz Gamrot battles Rafael Fiziev in key UFC Fight Night match

MANILA, Philippines – When Mateusz Gamrot enters the Octagon inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas Sunday, September 24, against fellow lightweight Rafael Fiziev, he will do so with full confidence.

When the 32-year-old Polish mixed martial artist last fought, he took the fight against Jalin Turner on short notice (replacing Dan Hooker) and found himself in a world of trouble.

“The moment I entered the Octagon, it was weird, I felt that I had no power, a lack of conditioning and not much stamina,” related Mateusz.

In a closely contested match, Gamrot relied on his wrestling to defeat Turner, whose strikes were on point, via split decision.

“It was my will to win that got me the win,” summed up Gamrot. “This showed me that I can compete. But I do not want to take another fight on short notice.”

With more than six months to prepare for the 12-2 Fiziev, the 22-2 Mateusz feels he is more than ready for this fight that could possibly put him a fight away from a title bout.

The current champion is Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has torn up the division since he entered in May of 2015 going 13-1.

“Rafael is the best striker in the lightweight division, but I believe I am a better all-around fighter. The key to this win will be able conditioning and mental strength since we both have the skills.”

“Rafael was stopped last time by Justin Gaethje without too much trouble. You can be sure he will want to bounce back with a statement win. But I will not allow him.”

“I hope to win not just for myself but also my country, Poland,” shared Mateusz. “Joanna Jedrzejczyk started this and now we have had a light heavyweight champion in Jan Blachowicz and 11th-ranked heavyweight Marcin Tybura.

“We do not have the success of American, Brazilian, or