In Gamrot, Klein faces his toughest test to date. “Gamer” spent the better part of the last three years on the precipice of the lightweight title picture, picking up wins over Arman Tsarukyan, Jalin Turner and Rafael Dos Anjos. Losses to Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker stymied his momentum in the ever-crowded queue for a title shot, but the 34-year-old from Poland remains steadfast in his quest for UFC gold.
Gamrot’s bread-and-butter is no secret. He is a grappler’s grappler, averaging more than five takedowns per 15 minutes. In each of his 10 UFC fights, Gamrot scored at least one takedown,and against Dos Anjos, he scored a career-best 11 takedowns. However, this is where Klein could prove himself as a fascinating player at 155 pounds. Through seven lightweight bouts, Klein has only been taken down once and, in turn, has secured at least one takedown in his last five bouts in the weight class. Additionally, Klein has defended takedowns at a 95.2 percent clip since moving up a division, which is good for the highest all-time among lightweights.
FOLLOW @UFCNEWS: On Facebook | On Instagram | On X | On Threads
Klein’s home, however, is on the feet. There, he displays a dynamic and explosive striking style, and he has statistically out struck each of his opponents in the lightweight division. He lands at about a 55-percent clip, which ranks ninth all-time among lightweights, and he continues to round into a more and more well-rounded presence in the Octagon.
When he faces Gamrot on May 31, it’s his chance to show he’s ready for the elite at 155 pounds. On the other hand, it could provide Gamrot a platform to show he is levels above unranked opponents and cement his spot in the top 10. Those are high stakes, and Klein is keen on entering the summer having proved himself as one of the best 155ers in the world.
