[autotag]Mateusz Gamrot[/autotag] and [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 305 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker UFC 305 preview
Gamrot (24-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) is a handful for anyone in the lightweight division due to his staunch wrestling game. A winner of his last three, Gamrot is trying to navigate his way to a title shot in one of the UFC’s most stacked divisions. He began his year with a unanimous decision over former champ Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 299 and looks to keep the momentum going against an entertaining striker. … Hooker (23-12 MMA, 13-8 UFC) always shows up ready to scrap with anyone. The rangy striker has been in numerous exciting fights, and whether he wins or loses, the fans will come away satisfied. Hooker comes into this one as a winner of his last two, having stopped Claudio Puelles and edging a split decision over Jalin Turner.
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker UFC 305 expert pick, prediction
In a fight that could’ve easily been the choice for the main-card opener, Gamrot will tangle with the always-dangerous Hooker at 155 pounds.
Whether you’re a fan of Gamrot’s style or not, it’s hard not to scratch your head at yet another wrestle-heavy fighter being forced into ‘keep busy’ spots that don’t involve the division’s title. But I digress.
The good news is: Hooker fights are always exciting.
An action fighter through and through, the man’s recently-acquired chest piece appears to be a perfect encapsulation of the chaos that Hooker brings to the table. Whether he’s throwing front kicks and straight punches standing or looking to lock up sneaky front chokes in transition, Hooker should be able to keep Gamrot honest in multiple phases.
However, it’s ultimately hard to ignore the fact that fighters who have wanted to get to Hooker’s legs have found success (to varying degrees, granted).
Hooker, to his credit, has shown some solid offensive wrestling improvements during this latter stretch of his career. That said, I’m not sure that Hooker’s defense can hold up to the relentless waves of takedowns that will be coming his way.
Gamrot may not have the most criteria-friendly fighting style (despite being rewarding some absolute gifts in the decision department), but I think that he can effectively wrestle for three rounds here.
Even though late stoppages are on the table for both parties, I’ll pick Gamrot to win via unanimous decision.
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker UFC 305 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Polish fighter, listing Gamrot -333 and Hooker +250 via FanDuel.
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker UFC 305 start time, how to watch
As the feature bout on the main card, Gamrot and Hooker are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 11:15 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.