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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Mike Bohn

UFC 308 odds for underdog Mateusz Rebecki had him nervous before Fight of Night with Myktybek Orolbai

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

Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)

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

Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)

“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

Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)

“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.

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