ABU DHABI – Mateusz Rebecki beat Myktybek Orolbai with a split decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Take a look inside the fight with Rebecki, who bounced back from his first loss in 10 years with his first UFC bonus.
Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai
Result: Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Rebecki (20-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Orolbai (13-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Key stats: The numbers were close across the board in one of the bloodiest and most fun fights of the year. Rebecki barely won the striking 93-85 and had only 19 seconds more control time than Orolbai. He had three takedowns, as well, compared to a pair for Orolbai.
Rebecki on the fight’s key moment
“I didn’t expect him to be that tough. He was still defending. I was waiting for the referee to end it. I used all of my power, and I was screaming when I shot on him, but the referee give him a chance. He’s a really tough guy, and he proved he can still fight with me.”
Rebecki on doubts heading in
“Before this fight, I was really scared of my opponent because I was the underdog in this fight. I thought everybody thinks he’s going to win. … But I proved I’m better than everybody thought I am.”
Rebecki on what he wants next
“Right now, I haven’t thought about (what’s next). It’s not important right now. I right now want rest and be happy for this fight.”
To hear more from Rebecki, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai at UFC 308: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
UFC 308: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 308 odds for underdog Mateusz Rebecki had him nervous before Fight of Night with Myktybek Orolbai
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