Mateusz Gamrot reportedly serves as backup fighter for Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira title bout

According to reports, Mateusz Gamrot has been approached by the UFC to be the backup fighter for the Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira title grudge match on October 21.

It is believed that the lightweight announced his backup fighter role on Polish TV earlier today and can now put in the preparations to face one of the two athletes. Despite the matchup ending early due to injury, ‘Gamer’ is fresh off of a win over the always-tough Rafael Fiziev, which extended his winning run to two and subsequently forced him into the title picture.

If the reports are true, Gamrot will step in to fight for UFC gold should Makhachev or Oliveira miss weight or be forced out of the bout for other reasons.

🚨| Mateusz Gamrot reportedly announced in a Polish TV interview earlier today that he will serve as the backup fighter to the lightweight title main event at #UFC294.

Gamrot will fight for the lightweight title should one of Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira miss weight. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8kt3qrfmGw

— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) October 7, 2023

Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira are considered two of the greatest mixed martial artists on the planet and fans are looking forward to seeing them compete for a second time. During their first outing, the Russian dethroned the seemingly unbeatable ‘Do Bronx’ of the 155 lbs crown with a beautifully executed arm triangle choke.

Both men have competed once since their meeting one year ago, with each of them having come away victorious. Makhachev endured a gritty 25-minute war with Alexander Volkanovski to remain the lightweight champion, whilst Oliveira made short work of Beneil Dariush in his return fight.

Related: Alexander Volkanovski wants Islam Makhachev at UFC 300

Gamrot is confident that he has the style to beat either man in the main event and is hoping his chance will come whether that’s on October 21 or later. Since joining the UFC, the Poland native is 6-2 and holds wins over some standout opponents. Alongside the aforementioned Rafael Fiziev victory, the 32-year-old has gotten his hands raised in meetings with Jeremy Stephens, Jalin Turner, and arguably his most impressive win to date, Arman Tsarukyan.

UFC 294 is set to get underway in the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. As well as an action-packed main event, the card will see Khamzat Chimaev make his long-awaited return against the powerhouse Paulo Costa, Magomed Ankalaev take on Johnny Walker in a title eliminator, and Muhammad Mokaev continues his surge up the flyweight division against Tim Elliot.