The UFC returns to the Apex Arena in Las Vegas this weekend, with Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber set to face off in a clash with major title implications. While some fans have voiced their displeasure with the card, there are plenty of exciting bouts to look forward to this Saturday. Bolaji Oki, Zachary Reese, and Billy Ray Goff are just a few names to keep an eye on for potential finishes.
Usually, I’d highlight an under-the-radar fight to bring attention to emerging talent. But for this event, there’s one clear choice for “the fight to watch”: the co-main event.
Mateusz Gamrot (#7) vs. L’udovít Klein
When this matchup was announced just over a month ago, many were surprised. Gamrot is coming off a razor-close split decision loss to #6-ranked Dan Hooker. To go from that to facing an unranked contender—albeit one riding a four-fight win streak and undefeated in his last seven UFC bouts—seems incredibly harsh. Most top-10 fighters would have turned it down without hesitation. But turning down fights isn’t in Mateusz Gamrot’s DNA. “Gamer” wears his nickname like a crown: a true warrior, always ready for battle. For Gamrot, risking his ranking is preferable to sitting on the sidelines—an attitude every MMA fan respects and admires. The Polish standout holds a 7–3 record in the UFC, with notable wins over Arman Tsarukyan and Rafael dos Anjos, showcasing the elite level at which he competes. But this Saturday, he faces one of his toughest tests to date.
L’udovít Klein enters with a 7–2–1 UFC record. While he doesn’t yet have the high-profile names on his résumé that Gamrot does, Klein comes in with serious momentum. He’s one of the most versatile fighters in the lightweight division. Of his 23 professional wins, 9 have come via KO and 8 by submission—proof that no matter where the fight goes, Klein can end it at any moment.
Hailing from Slovakia, Klein first made a name for himself in Oktagon MMA, where he lit up Europe’s premier promotion with five straight knockout victories. Since entering the UFC, Klein has elevated his game significantly. He’s earned his shot at breaking into the rankings, but standing in his way is one of the most dangerous grapplers in the UFC.
Mateusz Gamrot is unquestionably among the best wrestlers in the organisation. His unanimous decision victory over Tsarukyan was a masterclass in pressure and grappling. That wasn’t a one-off—Gamrot has been the derailment point for multiple rising contenders. Jalin Turner, Arman Tsarukyan, and Rafael Fiziev all entered the cage with momentum and left with losses, worn down by Gamrot’s relentless pace and ground control.
If Klein wants to prove he belongs among the elite at 155 pounds, Gamrot is the perfect litmus test.
Official Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot by Decision
I’ve seen this story play out too many times to pick against Gamrot. While Klein has shown excellent skills in both striking and grappling, Gamrot has consistently taken down even the most credentialed wrestlers. Yes, Klein likely holds the edge in striking, but Gamrot has never been finished in his MMA career and possesses one of the toughest chins in the division. I expect this fight to play out on Gamrot’s terms, with grinding takedowns and top control dictating the pace. Look for “Gamer” to reassert himself as a legitimate title contender with a dominant decision victory.
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