Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot: Clash of Titans in Rio de Janeiro
UFC lightweight ex-champion Charles Oliveira faces Mateusz Gamrot, a prominent contender, in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro. The expected fight will take place on Saturday. Oliveira, with a record of 35-11 and 1 NC, seeks to recover after his recent technical knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in June. The Brazilian fighter, known for his dominance in the octagon, will seek to maintain his undefeated streak in his home country, where he has won his previous five fights in the UFC. Gamrot, ranked ninth, comes into the matchup with an impressive record, having won four of his last five fights. His most recent victory was by unanimous decision over Ludovit Klein in May.
Oliveira is a great opponent for Gamrot. With Gamrot’s pace and grappling skills, this is a good match-up for him, because I don’t think he’s going to get submitted. So, he can impose his will, wrestle, stay out of trouble, and wear Oliveira down for a decision.
Din Thomas
Betting analysis:Gamrot defeated Arman Tsarukyan and Oliveira lost against Tsarukyan, who is the better fighter. Oliveira has never been a guy to stop 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 away from submission attempts and simply outwrestle Oliveira.
Anthony Smith
Gamrot to win (-105): Gamrot, stepping in on short notice, has a chance to turn his career around against Oliveira in a Fight Night main event. Gamrot has the wrestling and pace to suffocate and frustrate Oliveira, if he can get the fight to the ground early and often. Standing, Oliveira is the better striker and has knockout power, but coming off a KO loss in June, I’m not sure his chin can take much more. Oliveira is a submission ace, but he doesn’t typically get submissions from his back, and that’s where I expect him to be for most of this fight. I’m betting on Gamrot to pull off an upset.
Best bets for the rest of the card: Male bantamweight: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson. Jackson to win (-300): If Jackson can secure a win 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 fight against a young and hungry Jackson may not be the friendliest matchup for him in his return. Look for Jackson to outstrike and use his speed to take Figueiredo out. 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 against higher-level competition and won’t be surprised when his opponent tries to take him down early. Look for Diniz 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 see him having 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 achieve the early finish.
