CHICAGO \u2013 Michal Oleksiejczuk feels like a different fighter now that he’s training with the Fighting Nerds in Brazil, and thus far, the proof is in the results.<\/p>\n
Poland’s Oleksiejczuk (21-9 MMA, 9-7 UFC) spent his last two training camps with one of the hottest teams in the game today, and is thrilled with his decision \u2013 especially after recording his second straight first-round finish by stopping Gerald Meerschaert in the United Center at UFC 319.<\/p>\n
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“This was my second time in Brazil and my skills, my cage game, my ground game \u2013 all is better,” Oleksiejczuk told reporters during a post-fight news conference. “I am happy my corner gave me great energy.”<\/p>\n
Things were not in a good place for Oleksiejczuk just a year ago. After ending his 2023 campaign with a first-round finish of Chidi Njokuani, things took a nose-dive in 2024. Oleksiejczuk lost all three of his fights, two of which were first-round stoppages. Since switching to the Fighting Nerds, he finished Sedriques Dumas in the first round at UFC 314, and followed it up with the opening-round TKO of Meerschaert.<\/p>\n
Now, the Polish middleweight has his eyes on a ranked opponent.<\/p>\n
“I think that my skill is ready for top 15 now,” Oleksiejczuk said. “I want fight with Marvin Vettori. I think this is very good fight because Marvin is from Europe, I am from Europe, Poland, and I am ready. I think a lot of people want this fight.”<\/p>\n
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Vettori currently holds the No. 13 spot in the UFC’s official 185-pound rankings. He’s in a similar place to Oleksiejczuk last year, having lost three straight fights. If and when they meet, Oleksiejczuk believes he can be the first fighter to stop the ultra-durable Italian.<\/p>\n
“I know Marvin is very tough fighter, but I think that this is my time,” Oleksiejczuk said. “I can break this guy, I am sure.”<\/p>\n