UFC lightweight ex-champion Charles Oliveira will face ranked contender Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
Oliveira, who holds a record of 35-11, is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June, in a failed attempt to regain the title. The Brazilian, who has never lost in five previous UFC fights in his home country, is ranked third in the lightweight rankings.
Gamrot, ranked ninth (25-3, 1 NC), has won four of his last five fights, most recently by unanimous decision over Ludovit Klein in May.
Anthony Smith also offers his analysis, highlighting Gamrot’s ability to counter grappling and avoid submissions.Oliveira is a great opponent for Gamrot. With Gamrot’s pace and grappling skills, this is a good matchup for him, because I don’t think he’s going to be submitted. So he can impose his will, wrestle, stay out of trouble and wear down Oliveira for a decision.
Din Thomas
Betting analysis suggests that Gamrot could have a significant opportunity.Gamrot defeated Arman Tsarukyan and Oliveira lost to Tsarukyan, who is the better fighter. Oliveira has never been a guy who stops all takedowns, and Gamrot has great counter-grappling. Gamrot is able to wrestle and stay out of trouble. If he couldn’t take Oliveira down, this would be a different story, because I think Gamrot would lose standing. But Oliveira won’t be able to stop Gamrot’s wrestling, and Gamrot will stay out of submission attempts and simply outwrestle Oliveira.
Anthony Smith
Featured bets:
Men’s bantamweight:Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson Jackson to win (-300): If Jackson can secure a victory in Brazil over former UFC flyweight champion Figueiredo, this could be his coming-out party. Figueiredo is coming off a loss to Cory Sandhagen, during which he suffered a knee injury, so a match against a hungry young Jackson might not be the most favorable matchup for him upon his return.Heavyweight:
Jhonata Diniz vs. Mario Pinto Diniz to win (-130): Unless Pinto can take Diniz down immediately and submit him or keep him on the ground for 15 minutes, it’s difficult to imagine he can beat Diniz in a striking battle. Diniz is not only the better striker, but he has fought higher-level competition and won’t be surprised when his opponent tries to take him down early. Diniz is expected to defend takedowns early and keep the fight standing en route to his fourth UFC victory.Welterweight:Vicente Luque vs. Joel Álvarez Álvarez to win by KO/TKO: Álvarez will jump to the 170-pound division, and what an addition he could be. Álvarez is a complete fighter and an incredible striker with KO power. He faces veteran Luque in what should be a fun fight, for as long as it lasts. Luque will try to take Álvarez down, but I don’t think he will have much success, which will force him to stand and trade blows in the hope of outlasting Álvarez. Ultimately, I think Álvarez’s pressure and power will be too much for Luque, and Álvarez will get the early finish.
