Miktibek Olorubayi and Mateusz Rebecki, UFC 308 UFC 308 Ceremonial Weigh-in Credit: Youtube/UFC
In a 160-pound catchweight bout at UFC 308, Miktibek Olorubai went down with Mateusz Rebecki.
The bout was originally booked at lightweight, but a change was seen during Friday’s official weigh-in. This change didn’t seem to affect either fighter’s performance, and a bloody, grueling and widely entertaining match ensued at the second UFC PPV in October.
The match got off to a quick start, with Rebecchi quickly imposing the pace on his opponent. Olorubai was able to skillfully slide out of the way of the oncoming loop punch. Mateusz looked quick with his hands, but was hit by several solo counters from Olorubai. Miktibek continued to circle to the right, throwing kicks and jabs. Mateusz began to find a place for his hands on both Olorubai’s body and head.
Midway through the round, both fighters continued to measure the distance, patiently waiting for their chance. Both fighters had explosive power and appeared coiled and ready to attack. There were many instances during the round and during the match where the fighters clashed heads as they entered. Rebecchi began to see Olorubai’s attacks and slipped out of Tipu’s way to avoid some of his single punches. With less than a minute left in the round, Olorubai had a large black eye and a busted nose, but still looked like a contender.
At the start of the second round, the doctor took a closer look at the now almost unrecognizable Olorubai. Even after the doctor’s blessing, the battle continued. Mateusz swung hard into the eyes of his injured opponent. Olorubai interrupted his opponent with right hands and sharp elbows. Miktibek also followed the attack by attempting a shot, but then the two fighters quickly returned to swinging. In the ensuing exchange, Olorubai missed a strike and instead allowed a back. Mateusz tried to move back, but the ensuing scramble allowed both players to get back on their feet. As the rounds continued, Rebecchi continued to find the eyes of Miktibek, who somehow showed little reaction to the accumulated damage. Olorubai continued to release his right hand, patiently waiting for the right moment to throw.
With about 90 seconds left in the round, Miktibek landed a perfectly timed takedown and was able to drag his opponent to the ground. Once there, Mateusz started leaking blood (due to a collision of the heads while attempting a takedown), but was able to lay the foundation and get back to his feet. Of course, Olorubai continued to take vicious shots from his opponent throughout the entire sequence. In the final moments of the round, it became clear that Miktivek wasn’t letting up on the gas, and the momentum of the fight began to shift. As Olorubai continued to advance, Mateusz began to look a little tired, dodging some shots and throwing them back hard, even as he took shots to his already damaged eye.
Both fighters looked severely damaged to begin the final round. The Octagon was covered in blood, and so were the fighters. Miktibek started to find a place for his right hand, but then a huge left hand from Rebecchi sent him tumbling to the canvas. Olorubai somehow survived the sequence as the referee chose not to stop the match at that moment. Rebecchi pounced on his opponent and rained down a barrage of strikes. They could have stopped the fight at this point, but they didn’t. Olorubai once again found a way to survive while absorbing large amounts of damage.
Then, with about 90 seconds left in the game, Miktibek miraculously turned the tables on the ground (Rebecchi nearly gassed himself in the process of trying to finish off his opponent). As Rebecchi struggled to his feet, Ororubai inflicted damage of his own. In the final seconds of the battle, the possessed man, Miktibek Olorubai, continued to show willingness to attack himself. Mateusz, too tired to return with an attack of his own, dodged some and ate some, but time ran out in what became an instant classic.
In a very even fight, Mateusz Rebecchi won by split decision, but Olorubai looked stunned.
Official result: Mateusz Rebecki def. Miktibek Olorubai, split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
