Mateusz Gamrot has his sights set on a high-profile showdown with Paddy Pimblett.
Gamrot (24-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC), who is scheduled to face Ludovit Klein (23-4-1 MMA, 7-2 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 68 next week, took a jab at Pimblett (22-4 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in a recent social media post, mocking the UK star for getting emotional following teammate Molly McCann’s retirement announcement at UFC London.
“Pussy Paddy will cry the same way after our fight… we know it!” the Polish fighter tweeted.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show this week, “Gamer” elaborated on the reasons behind his animosity toward Pimblett.
"I don't like this guy," Gamrot told Helwani. "He talks too much. He's arrogant from England. He has talked some things about me many times. I'd love to meet him in the octagon because his way to this position he has right now was so easy. If he gets a good opponent against him, I don't think he wins this fight. I'd love fight with him. He's from Europe, I am from Europe.
"If the UFC makes this fight, I think it's going to be the biggest fight in the lightweight division for Europe. My opinion, he's great stylistic (matchup) for me, and I'll beat him for sure. He's a grappler, I am grappler. I love scrambling with somebody on the ground because my previous opponent (Hooker) was only a striker. The ground was fire for everybody, and everybody stands up. I'd love to roll with somebody on the ground."
Gamrot is currently ranked No. 7 in the UFC lightweight division. As he gets ready to face the unranked Ludovit Klein next week, he explained why he agreed to take a fight against an opponent outside the top 15.
"I tried to find somebody from rankings to get a good fight, but everybody was booked or nobody wanted to fight with me," Gamrot said. "I told the UFC it doesn't matter. Give me someone without ranking because I want to stay busy this year. I just want to fight and show how I have improved my MMA skills."
