Mateusz Gamrot Takes Risk by Fighting Dan Hooker in Australia at UFC 305
Mateusz Gamrot is taking a major risk by fighting Dan Hooker at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on Aug. 17, 2024. Gamrot is ranked fifth in the UFC’s lightweight division and has the potential to be on the shortlist for a title shot. But Gamrot isn’t going to earn that opportunity by sitting around.
Gamrot, who is on a three-fight winning streak, will fight another ranked fighter in No. 11, Dan Hooker. Hooker, who is a native of Australia, will have the home crowd advantage, while Gamrot will make the long trip to fight on the card. While Hooker is a solid fighter, he has taken some crushing losses to other fighters in the top 10.
This is a must-win fight for Gamrot. A loss would hurt his prospects of becoming champion. But those are the types of fights you have to win if you want the belt. Gamrot has a win over the number-one ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan.
MMAfighting latest news will see there will be a number of fighters who believe they deserve to be next in line for an opportunity to fight for the lightweight championship. Gamrot will be the one under pressure in this battle. He is protecting his ranking against a strong striker.
Who’s No. 1?
Islam Makhachev has successfully defended the lightweight championship three times. The most recent defense came with a fifth-round submission over Dustin Poirier. But Makhachev’s most recent title defense was supposed to be a rematch with Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira was forced to pull out after he suffered an injury during training. Oliveira was then pitted in a fight against Tsarukyan at UFC 300. While Tsarukyan won the fight, his actions at the event may forever alter his career arc.
On Tsarukyan’s way to the octagon, the best MMA news sites say that he punched a fan who insulted him. Tsarukyan earned a nine month suspension from the sport due to him punching the fan. That leaves his future title opportunity in limbo.
UFC 305 is Filling In
Perth made it a priority to ink a multi-year deal with the UFC. The deal, which was signed before UFC 284 in February 2024, means the promotion will head to the city for twice-annual events. This card will be a fascinating one as it is set to feature the return of Israel Adesanya.
Adesanya, the long-reigning middleweight champion, lost his belt during his last fight in a surprising upset loss to Sean Strickland. For his come-back, Adesanya will have an opportunity to return against Dricus du Plessis. Adesanya has been angry at du Plessis’ claim that he is the only African champion in UFC history.
Adesanya was born in Nigeria but was raised in New Zealand, while du Plessis still lives and trains in South Africa. Adesanya being announced for the championship fight was a minor surprise because du Plessis’ title fight with Strickland was a split decision at UFC 297 in January.
Here’s a look at the other fights that have been announced for the card:
- Flyweight, Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
- Heavyweight, Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
- Heavyweight, Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker
- Women’s flyweight, Casey O’Neill vs. Tereza Bleda
- Featherweight, Joshua Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos
- Featherweight, Jack Jenkins vs. Gavin Tucker
- Lightweight, Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes
- Welterweight, Li Jingliang vs Carlos Prates
Gamrot Has Been Solid in UFC
Gamrot arrived in the UFC with a lot of hype in October 2020. He was 17-0 and someone that people could fast-track toward a championship. A former KSW champion, Gamrot lost a surprising split decision to Guram Kutateladze.
The first loss didn’t prove to be a killer to his career. Anyone looking at MMA latest updates will see that Gamrot responded with four straight wins, including a controversial decision victory over Tsarukyan. Gamrot took a decision loss to Beneil Dariush in October 2022 before responding with three straight wins.
Gamrot isn’t a fighter who typically hunts for finishes. Thirteen of his 27 career fights have gone the distance. Gamrot is 24-2 in his career with eight knockouts.
Hooker Hopes Worst is Behind Him
Hooker should be happy to have escaped his fight with Jalin Turner in July 2023 with a split-decision win. It was the first time Hooker had won back to back fights in the UFC since 2020. After Hooker beat Paul Felder by split decision in February 2020, he went on a stretch where he lost four of his six fights.
Three of those four fights saw him get finished by top-end talents. Michael Chandler knocked him out in 2 minutes, 30 seconds at UFC 257. Makhachev submitted him with a kimura in the first round at UFC 267, while Arnold Allen also knocked him out in the first round in March 2022.
Hooker is 23-12 in his career. He has picked up 18 victories by finish, including 11 knockouts.
Where Can Gamrot Go From Here?
One thing that made Gamrot an interesting potential challenger for Makhachev is that he is a solid wrestler. Makhachev has bullied many of his competitors on the ground during his run in the UFC. During Gamrot’s fight with Tsarukyan, also a good grappler, Gamrot didn’t seem to be out of place.
The other nice thing is that Gamrot is a fresh face who hasn’t fought Makhachev. Many of the other top-five-ranked fighters have already been defeated by the Russian. Barring a wild run for Hooker, he will likely never be back in the championship picture.
That’s what makes this fight so dangerous for Gamrot. A loss in this contest may also eliminate his chances of ever fighting for the belt. But there is pressure to keep the bosses happy in the UFC. Both men will be motivated, and this should be a solid addition to the main card in Perth.
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By Dean McHugh.
