LAS VEGAS – Mateusz Gamrot is looking for a big name.
The UFC lightweight contender thinks he’s deserving of an established opponent now that he’s returned to the win column. Gamrot (22-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) defeated Jalin Turner (13-6 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in a split decision Saturday on the UFC 285 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Mateusz, who was coming off a decision loss to Beneil Dariush this past October, would like to get Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje next.
“Right now, I’m No. 7 (in the UFC rankings), and I took a short-notice fight with No. 10. I’m sure I deserve someone higher than me, only top five,” Gamrot told reporters at the UFC 285 post-fight press conference. “Now I have to wait in the future because Gaethje has a fight, Oliveira has a fight, and more fighters (have fights).
“I would like to get back to the octagon after summer. The best name for me is Gaethje or Oliveira. I think these guys are the best for my opponents because, yeah, I think so.”
Gaethje is fighting Rafael Fiziev on March 18 and Oliveira is fighting Dariush on May 6. The 32-year-old thinks the two former champions will lose their bouts, but regardless, he’s interested in facing either fighter.
“I think Rafael Fiziev should win this fight,” Gamrot said. “I see this guy going up to the title shot. The same thing for Beneil Dariush – I think he will beat Charles Oliveira and I think this guy will be around the title. I need next win against Gaethje or Oliveira. I will beat these guys, and then I’ll be with the same guys around the title shot.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 285.