Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai just produced something special at UFC 308, with both warriors ending their bout absolutely covered in blood in a fight that will be remembered for a very long time to come.
The mixed martial arts stars received a standing ovation for their performances inside the Ethihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai go to war in brutal war of atttrition at UFC 308
On one of the biggest nights of the year, Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai, delivered in abundance, with the fearsome athletes going toe-to-toe in a fight in which both refused to give up.
Channeling their warrior instincts, the two men exchanged brutal blows, with each suffering horrific eye damage in the process.
Despite being an underdog with the bookmakers, Rebecki certainly didn’t turn up just to make up the numbers.
The Polish brawler began to assert his dominance over his rival, landing powerful shots that resulted in Orolbai sustaining enormous swelling on his eye.
WOW: Joe Rogan tells story of what Conor McGregor did moments before knocking out Jose Aldo
Due to the extent of the injury, the doctors had to take a look, but they allowed him to continue, and the Kyrgyzstan fighter battled back from the brink, opening up a cut on his opponent.
Pushing each other to their limits, the hardened competitors continued to unleash their fury, with Orolbai ultimately spiraling towards the canvas.
But in a testament to his fighting spirit, the 26-year-old managed to continue fighting, eventually rising to his feet and even wobbling his adversary.
In the end, Rebecki received a split-decision verdict in a fight in which both had to show their heart and emerged with a great deal of credit.
Chael Sonnen says which of Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev he’s putting his ‘curse’ on
While UFC 308 has gotten off to an interesting start, there’s still much more to come.
Later tonight, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev will square off in a middleweight bout, that has captured the imagination of the public and, indeed, Chael Sonnen.
‘The American’ Gangster has analyzed the two icons and come to the conclusion that one man has the edge over the other.
But with his record of predicting fights anything but foolproof, the former fighter has confessed that the man he’s picked may have to deal with his ‘curse’.
Sheesh: Ariel Helwani compares fighter who interrupted UFC 308 press conference to Santino Marella