MMA
UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs Salkilld Predictions
The UFC returns to the Apex in Las Vegas this weekend as lightweight contenders Mateusz Gamrot and Quillan Salkilld collide in a fascinating Main Event with huge implications for the division.
Former KSW champion Mateusz Gamrot enters the contest looking to remind everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous grapplers in the lightweight rankings. Standing in his way is Australian sensation Quillan Salkilld, whose rapid rise through the UFC has seen him become one of the division’s hottest prospects.
The fight takes place on Saturday, August 8 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with UK fans able to catch the main event at approximately 3am BST on Sunday morning.
Prediction
This is a classic battle between proven experience and rising momentum. Salkilld has exploded onto the UFC scene and deservedly heads into the contest as the bookmakers’ favourite, but Gamrot has consistently competed against elite opposition and possesses one of the strongest wrestling games in the division.
The Australian’s striking and confidence make him a deserved market leader, but Gamrot’s ability to dictate where the fight takes place could prove decisive over five rounds.
Mateusz Gamrot – 6/5
Quillan Salkilld – 4/6
Our Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot to win by Decision – Boosted from 5/2 to 3/1
Gamrot’s wrestling can be the difference
Few fighters in the lightweight division can match Gamrot when it comes to relentless pressure and elite-level grappling. The Pole has built his UFC career on chaining together takedowns, controlling opponents and winning rounds through intelligent cage control.
While Salkilld has shown excellent finishing ability throughout his rise, this represents a significant step up in competition. Gamrot has shared the Octagon with some of the division’s very best and knows exactly what it takes to win high-pressure main events.
Rather than chasing an early finish, expect Gamrot to mix his wrestling with enough striking to keep Salkilld guessing before controlling long stretches of the fight on the mat.
Can Salkilld continue his remarkable rise?
At just 26 years old, Quillan Salkilld has quickly established himself as one of the lightweight division’s brightest talents. Four finishes in his opening UFC run have showcased explosive power and confidence, with the Australian appearing ready for the biggest test of his career.
If Salkilld can keep the fight standing for extended periods, he’ll fancy his chances of landing the cleaner, more damaging strikes. His speed and power make him dangerous throughout, particularly in the opening rounds before Gamrot settles into his rhythm.
However, over five rounds, Gamrot’s experience, cardio and wrestling pedigree should gradually take over.
Fight Result Odds
Mateusz Gamrot by KO – 15/2
Mateusz Gamrot by Submission – 9/2
Mateusz Gamrot by Decision – 5/2 (Boosted to 3/1)
Quillan Salkilld by KO – 11/4
Quillan Salkilld by Submission – 9/2
Quillan Salkilld by Decision – 4/1
Salkilld has every chance of announcing himself as a genuine title contender, but this feels like the perfect stylistic matchup for Gamrot. Expect the Polish veteran to absorb the early pressure before repeatedly taking the fight to the canvas and controlling enough of the action to earn a hard-fought decision victory.
Check out the latest UFC/MMA betting odds at William Hill
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change.
