UFC 308 is undoubtedly one of the biggest cards from the promotion in 2024. The hype around the fight card was immense, and fans expected some intense MMA action. Surprisingly, it didn’t take much time for that, as a lightweight fight of the preliminary card was an absolute banger.
Myktybek Orolbai fought Mateusz Rebecki in a catchweight bout, which turned out to be a gladiator fight. UFC fans love a blood bath, and it was exactly what they had anticipated. After three rounds of back and forth, Rebecki won the fight via split decision and did some nasty damage to his opponent.
After the fight, Orolbai was left with a swollen eye, which looked extremely severe. Eye injuries like that are very common in the UFC, and many top fighters suffer from it. However, watching it happen in the first fight of the UFC 308 fight card was totally wild.
OROLBAI’S EYE IS GONE #UFC308 pic.twitter.com/hzpqjPIrRv
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 26, 2024
Rebecki connected some accurate shots in the very first fight of the fight. While Orolbai took them without any issue, his eye was already compromised. While an anticipated entertaining night, an absolute war turned out to be the perfect start, which got everybody excited.
UFC lightweight reacts to brutal UFC 308 preliminary fight
Myktybek Orolbai had his moments in the fight in the second round and landed some accurate strikes. He was able to push Mateusz Rebecki to the backfoot and deal some damage. Orlbai was looking good until the third round came when the Polish fighter showed his ground and pound.
Orolbai was cut open with blood splattering all over the canvas, however, it wasn’t enough to put out the fighter. Fans went crazy with loud cheers inside the Etihad Arena. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev seemed to be highly impressed by both the fighters and took to X to show his appreciation.
What a fight Congratulations guys.
Islam Makhachev via X
OROLBAI’S EYE IS GONE #UFC308 pic.twitter.com/hzpqjPIrRv
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 26, 2024
Makhachev was in this kind of situation earlier this year during his fight with top lightweight Dustin Poirier. It was one of the best fights of this year, and it had everything from brutal striking exchanges to skillful grappling. While that was a main event, this wasn’t, but it surely delivered like it.
