UFC lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot shared his views comparing Poland to the United States during an interview on the WojewódzkiKędzierski podcast. Gamrot stated that Poland is cleaner, safer, more hospitable, and in many ways more modern than America despite its political issues. He cited examples like payment terminals in restaurants being adopted in Poland a decade before some U.S. establishments. Gamrot also criticized American hospitality culture, describing social interactions as superficial and recounting experiences where he had to bring his own food to barbecues. He noted that while the U.S. offers advantages for sports careers, daily life and problem-solving are easier in Poland. Gamrot mentioned that even his children prefer being in Poland with their grandmother over Florida beaches.
UFC lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot has spoken candidly about life in Poland versus the United States, offering a pointed comparison of the two countries during an appearance on the WojewódzkiKędzierski podcast.
Gamrot, ranked tenth in the UFC lightweight division, carries a record of 26 wins and 4 losses and competes out of American Top Team in Florida. The 35-year-old Polish southpaw stands 178 centimeters tall with a 70-inch reach and has established himself as one of the more well-rounded threats in the 155-pound class, averaging 5.15 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 51 percent.
Despite training full-time in the United States, Gamrot made clear that he sees Poland as superior for everyday living. He described his home country as cleaner, safer, more hospitable, and in several practical respects more modern than America. As one example, he pointed to payment terminals in restaurants, arguing that Polish establishments adopted the technology roughly a decade before many American venues caught up.
Gamrot also took aim at social culture in the United States, characterizing everyday interactions as superficial. He recounted situations where he was expected to bring his own food to barbecues, a custom he contrasted unfavorably with Polish hospitality norms. While he acknowledged that America provides clear advantages for athletes pursuing careers in combat sports, he argued that navigating daily life and solving ordinary problems is simply more straightforward back home. He added that even his children prefer spending time with their grandmother in Poland over the beaches of Florida.
Why it matters
- Gamrot trains at American Top Team but his comments reflect a perspective shared by many European fighters based in the U.S. for career reasons
- As a top-ten lightweight at 35, his long-term plans and base of operations could have practical implications for his career trajectory
- The interview offers rare personal insight into the lifestyle realities facing international fighters competing in the UFC
