Mateusz Gamrot won UFC Vegas 79 after Rafael Fiziev suffered a severe leg injury during a second-round kick, but expressed dissatisfaction with the victory, hoping for a bout with Charles Oliveira next.
Mateusz Gamrot came out victorious at UFC Vegas 79, although the win didn’t come in the expected manner when Rafael Fiziev sustained a severe leg injury in the second round. Initially a fiery contest between two elite lightweights, the fight ended abruptly once Fiziev threw a powerful kick with his right leg that Gamrot blocked. Before Fiziev could plant his foot firmly back on the ground, he fell to the canvas in apparent pain. Gamrot then got his chance to land some punches before referee Herb Dean intervened and halted the fight.
Upon replay, it was evident that Fiziev’s left leg either moved or cracked as he prepared to launch the kick that resulted in the injury that spelled the end of his night. The official match stoppage arrived at 2:03 of the second round. “Of course, this was not what I wanted,” Gamrot stated after the fight. “Honestly, as I prepared for this fight, my target was to have my defense stronger than his kick. I trained intensely on defense in my gym.”
Gamrot continued, “I hope Rafael recovers swiftly. However, a win is a win, and tonight, that win is mine. I’m now eager for the next one.” Until the unfortunate injury, both Gamrot and Fiziev had given an impressive performance with each combatant taking turns to shine. They exchanged blows and engaged in grappling fights, setting a fast pace enhanced by Fiziev’s quick and forceful punches and kicks, although Gamrot managed to land a few solid punches.
As the second round rolled out, Gamrot finally secured a deep takedown, even though Fiziev was swift to scramble free and regain his standing posture. It was in this phase that Fiziev delivered the kick that prematurely ended his match. Fiziev immediately collapsed onto the ground in excruciating pain. Subsequently, medical staff examined his leg then escorted Fiziev, who was limping, out of the octagon for further medical assistance.
Although the showdown ended disappointingly, Gamrot moves forward with the win, setting his course towards the top of the division. “This is not the way I wanted to win this fight,” Gamrot admitted, “I eagerly look forward to fighting next year. My dream fight is, of course, against the champion Islam Makhachev, but that will come later. For my next match, I challenge myself against the most dangerous ground fighter, Charles Oliveira. I am keen to fight this guy.”