Rafael dos Anjos returned to the weight class he once ruled over for a high-stakes clash with surging lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 299.
RDA made his 35th walk to the Octagon seeking his 32nd career win against ‘Gamer’ — a fighter who has won six of his last seven, including back-to-back victories over Jalin Turner and Rafael Fiziev in his last two outings.
Round 1
Mateusz Gamrot comes out bringing pressure early and unloading a head kick in the opening seconds. Gamrot is already looking to shoot and lands a nice right hand. Gamrot appears to briefly change levels and eats a perfectly-timed knee from RDA that has ‘Gamer’ rocked. RDA moves in, but Gamrot manages to clinch up, allowing him a few moments to recover before separating and returning to the center of the Octagon.
RDA lands a nice left has Gamrot is still clearing the cobwebs. RDA throws another big left hand and Gamrot is looking tentative halfway through the round. Gamrot shoots in and snags a single leg, taking down RDA and immediately getting into the former champ’s guard. Gamrot maintains top control for the final two minutes of the round, landing some solid elbows in the process.
Round 2
After a successful second round, RDA comes out bringing the pressure, teasing a flying knee. 40 seconds into the round, Gamrot snags a single leg once again and drags RDA back to the canvas. RDA fights his way back up against the cage, but Gamrot maintains control in the clinch. Gamrot separates and RDA resumes his pursuit of Gamrot. ‘Game’ once again shoots in, getting RDA to the ground, but the former champ pops right back up.
Now bleeding from his nose, RDA separates but is quickly taken back down by Gamrot against the cage wall with 90 seconds to go. RDA once again fights his way back up and separates. Gamrot takes a look at the clock as RDA puts the pressure on. Dos Anjos unleashes a combination of strikes but nothing lands clean as the round comes to an end.
Round 3
Dos Anjos appears to be the fresher of the two fighters as the third round begins. RDA is relentless in his pursuit, but his constant pressure gives Gamrot the opening he needs to drag him back down to the canvas. RDA pops back up and continues to move forward. ‘Gamer’ shoots and scores his career-best 10th takedown of the fight, but can’t do anything with it as RDA bounces back up almost immediately and separates.
Gamrot shoots for a lazy single leg that RDA defends with ease. RDA stalks and unloads a big left hand that Gamrot dodges. Gamrot clinches up before separating with 45 seconds to go. RDA continues pushing the gas and Gamrot offers a nice combination of strikes, landing partially just before the final horn sounds.
Official Result: Mateusz Gamrot def. Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Check Out Highlights From Mateusz Gamrot vs. Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 299:
What an amazing bait from Mateusz Gamrot 🇵🇱 #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/ZCaHg08qrL
— JCooP (@JCH3STER) March 10, 2024
Mateuz Gamrot gets hurt badly by Rafael Dos Anjos #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/Qsuub4QRpB
— X Fights (@XKnockouts) March 10, 2024
Victoire de Mateusz Gamrot 🇵🇱 par décision unanime contre Rafael Dos Anjos.#UFC299pic.twitter.com/CAcTA4dT8G
— MMA PROPAGANDE 👊🇫🇷 (@MMAPropagande) March 10, 2024
