A light-weight bout between former champion Charles Oliveira (35-11, 1 NC) and Prime 10-ranked contender Mateusz Gamrot (25-3, 1 NC) headlines Saturday’s UFC Battle Night time occasion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Oliveira was initially slated to tackle No. 10 ranked Rafael Fiziev, however a knee damage compelled Fiziev out of the battle. Gamrot, ranked No. 8 within the weight class, stepped in on quick discover.
“I’ve a number of respect for him. He is an ideal particular person and nice identify, however proper now it is altering guard and I need to take his place,” Gamrot instructed MMAFighting.
When information broke that Fiziev was out of the battle, Gamrot was on his strategy to Miami to start his subsequent coaching camp. He rapidly contacted his supervisor about stepping in as a alternative. The chance to face Oliveira was too large to move up.
“I noticed data that Fiziev pulled out, so I texted my supervisor, ‘I’m able to get the alternative.’ In fact, that is quick discover, solely three weeks earlier than the battle, however a reputation like Charles Oliveira, or a title battle, you may’t by no means flip down this battle,” he mentioned. “I used to be tremendous pleased to get this battle as a result of all my life I have been ready and laborious coaching to get this chance and eventually we get this.”
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Gamrot wasn’t positive if Oliveira would settle for the matchup however finally he obtained the decision. Stylistically, Gamrot is happy to check his grappling in opposition to the person who holds the document for many submission wins in UFC historical past.
“I’m able to scramble with him,” Gamrot mentioned. “I anticipate the very best model of Charles Oliveira. I do know that is going to be a tough battle for me… It does not matter how however I see my hand goes to be up. I’m actually prepared for this battle bodily and mentally. That is going to be an ideal present for positive.”
