UFC 319: Michal Oleksiejczuk post-fight interview
UFC 319 winner Michal Oleksiejczuk spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters post-fight after his knockout of Gerald Meerschaert.
CHICAGO – 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.
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 – especially after recording his second straight first-round finish by stopping Gerald Meerschaert in the United Center at UFC 319.
“This was my second time in Brazil and my skills, my cage game, my ground game – all is better,” Oleksiejczuk told reporters during a post-fight news conference. “I am happy my corner gave me great energy.”
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.
Now, the Polish middleweight has his eyes on a ranked opponent.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
