UFC 308 delivered fireworks, but no fight burned brighter than the war between Myktybek Orolbai and Mateusz Rebecki. This wasn’t just a clash—it was a three-round spectacle of heart, skill, and sheer willpower. Both men stepped into the Octagon, but neither could have imagined just how much they’d leave behind.

Originally slated for a lightweight bout at 155 lbs., the fight was changed to a 160 lbs. catchweight due to Orolbai’s visa complications. But once the Octagon door slammed shut, none of that mattered. All eyes were on the action. And despite the win going to Rebecki, on paper at least, this was the fight where the contest took prominence over the result.

The fight was marked by the Krygyzstani fighter’s remarkable toughness that has drawn a wave of support and left many prominent names in the UFC sphere stunned at what they witnessed. Suffering from a bad swelling on his eye, in the third round, it looked like Orolbai was getting close to his limit. Rebecki landed a solid shot that sent him crashing to the canvas and it looked like that would be the end of it.

However, in a display of remarkable toughness and grit, the Orolbai refused to fold. His resilience drew gasps from the crowd and admiration from some of the UFC’s biggest stars. Here’s a look at what the fighters and fans had to say!

UFC 308 clash draws high praise from Islam Makhachev and fans for Myktybek Orolbai and Mateusz Rebecki

Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight king was keeping a close eye on the proceedings. Rebecki’s win marks his 17th victory in his last 18 fights, bouncing back from a recent loss to veteran Diego Ferreira. His determination to rebound showed in every punch, kick, and takedown attempt and drew high praise from the Dagestani champion.

@MakhachevMMA: “What a fight  Congratulations guys”

The same sentiment was echoed by Jamahal Hill, former light heavyweight champion,  who couldn’t contain his praise for the two warriors. From the start, Rebecki unleashed an arsenal of heavy strikes. His punches landed with thudding precision, leaving Orolbai’s right eye swollen and battered by the second round. For most fighters, this would signal the beginning of the end. But Orolbai? He’s cut from a different cloth.

@JamhalH: “That was a great fight!!!”

For UFC welterweight king, Belal Muhammad, the fight was applause-worthy to the highest degree. By the end of the 15 minutes, both men stood in the center of the Octagon, bruised but unbroken. The decision went to the judges, and while it was close, Rebecki was awarded the split decision victory. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for the Polish fighter, while one judge saw it in Orolbai’s favor. But as ‘Remember The Name’ pointed out, it was the fans who won by getting to witness a fight like this!

@belalmuhammd: “Mannnn standing ovation.”

Rebecki’s determination to rebound from his recent loss showed in every punch, kick, and takedown attempt. But Orolbai, who suffered his first UFC loss, won something more valuable than just a fight—he earned the respect of the MMA community as UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney rightfully pointed out, they both deserve bonuses regardless of the outcome! What do you think?

@terrancemckinney: “What a fight give both of these men bonuses right now”

It wasn’t just the fighters who felt the magnitude of what had happened. Fans were left in awe at the two “gladiators” who painted the Octagon red at UFC 308. In the famous words of Maximus Decimus Meridius from the 2000 Ridley Scott classic, “Are you not entertained?”

“These guys are the real life GLADIATORS”

In the end, the UFC clash between Myktybek Orolbai and Mateusz Rebecki 308 will be remembered for more than just a winner and a loser. They gave fans a fight that transcended mere competition—it was a test of heart, grit, and sheer survival. From Orolbai’s swelling eye to Rebecki’s relentless strikes, both men pushed their limits, earning the admiration of fighters and fans alike. What did you think about the remarkable performance by both men at UFC 308? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!