UFC Lightweight Rafael Fiziev Vs. Mateusz Gamrot: Kickboxing Fighter Challenged By Aggressive Wrestler

Rafael Fiziev challenged Mateusz Gamrot. (photo: twitter @danawhite)

JAKARTA - Las Vegas will witness the main battle in the lightweight class between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot. Gamrot, is a fighter who is good at attacking and changing positions. He will bring many variations in the matches held at UFC APEX, Las Vegas Saturday 23 September or Sunday 24 September WIB.

Both when operating from the southpaw or or orthodox position, the KSW champion previously used a lot of jabs. That style, usually used in a provoking way. Gamrot will usually combine it with sharp-ended attacks including a sharp cross and a devastating shot to the calf when needed.

In fact, Gamrot could build an attack from his straight shot, especially when posing as his low-single patent attack while in a southpaw position. This Polish fighter also has solid hand-to-hand skills, but he has to be careful when facing fighters like Fiziev.

With an extraordinary counting instinct from a wide range of distances, Fiziev has the talent to turn the defense into an attack. Either he slips to the left or right, "Patter" either in returning punches and hard kicks in combination.

Like many kickboxing fighters from Russia and Eastern Europe, Fiziev is very good at hitting from the front. He often marks the exchange with Thai's hard left-handed or head-kick. The 30-year-old fighter will also infiltrate a quick in-footed shot from his opponent's block to better disrupt his opponent but he prefers to wait and attack every body member available.

Like many Thai muay experts, Fiziev shows a solid sensation in the lock, especially in finding knees and elbows. However, this time Fiziev's offensive style will decrease given the takedown which is likely to be Gamrot's focus.

With Gamrot's style of play so dependent on his wrestling, winning wrestling is very important for both fighters on Saturday 23 September.

As an aggressive wrestler and striker, Gamrot is not afraid to act from all angles. Whether he randomly drops a leg lock or aggressively tries to get past the top position, Gamrot is always looking for a position that can end the fight.

Fortunately for Fiziev, he also has a background in the sambo combat that helps him in the transitional wrestling phase.

The key step, Fiziev shows solid counter-strengthening instincts at close range. From a competent and undershooter to a good feeling towards his hips, this eight-year-old fighter proved difficult to bring down during his UFC career.

Although Fiziev showed little interest in chasing ground battles for a long period of time, he didn't look afraid to shake things with his own journey or takedown. Fiziev is also good at scoring favorable punches in the game, especially when dealing with elbows.

If Fiziev manages to reject Gamrot's takedown attempt, it is hoped that to see this fighter from Azerbaijan punishes his compatriots with direct attacks. But if Gamrot is able to bring down Fiziev and make him work seriously, then the fight can become interesting over time.