UFC 308 is shaping up to be an electrifying event, with the latest addition of a lightweight bout between Myktybek Orolbai and Mateusz Rebecki set to take place on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Myktybek Orolbai, the Kyrgyzstani fighter, will face off against Poland’s Mateusz Rebecki in what promises to be an explosive matchup. Both fighters have been making waves in the UFC’s lightweight division, and this contest could potentially propel the winner into the division’s top rankings.

Orolbai (13-1-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) enters the bout riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak. The 29-year-old has shown remarkable skill and tenacity in his UFC career thus far, most recently defeating Elves Brener via unanimous decision at UFC 301 in May. This victory not only extended Orolbai’s unbeaten streak in the octagon but also snapped Brener’s own five-fight winning run.

On the other side of the cage, Mateusz Rebecki (19-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will be looking to bounce back from his recent loss to Diego Ferreira, which ended his spectacular 16-fight winning streak. The 31-year-old Polish fighter earned his spot in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2022 and quickly made his mark by winning his first three UFC fights, two of which came by way of finish.

This bout presents an intriguing stylistic clash. Orolbai is known for his relentless pace and ability to maintain high-intensity pressure throughout fights. His cardio and endurance have become his trademark, allowing him to outlast opponents even in grueling battles.

Rebecki, on the other hand, is renowned for his explosive power and dangerous first-round prowess. However, questions about his gas tank have been raised, with some fans speculating that his effectiveness diminishes as the fight progresses into later rounds.

For Orolbai, the game plan seems clear: weather the early storm from Rebecki and push the pace to test his opponent’s cardio. If he can survive the first round while maintaining his trademark high-energy style, many believe he will have a significant advantage as the fight wears on.

Rebecki’s path to victory likely involves capitalizing on his early power and seeking a quick finish. He’ll need to be wary of Orolbai’s durability and pace, aiming to land significant strikes early to prevent the fight from becoming a war of attrition.

This matchup carries significant implications for the lightweight division. Both fighters are on the cusp of breaking into the rankings, and a decisive victory could see the winner catapulted into contention for higher-profile bouts.

The lightweight division, always one of the UFC’s most competitive, continues to evolve with emerging talents like Orolbai and Rebecki. This fight will serve as a litmus test for both men, potentially separating a future contender from the pack.

UFC 308 Card Shaping Up

The addition of Orolbai vs. Rebecki further bolsters an already impressive UFC 308 card. The event is headlined by a featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, with other notable bouts including Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker and Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov.

The full announced card, subject to change, now includes:

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway (Featherweight Title)
  • Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker
  • Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic
  • Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
  • Dan Ige vs. Lerone Murphy
  • Geoff Neal vs. Rafael dos Anjos
  • Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
  • Abus Magomedov vs. Brunno Ferreira
  • Ibo Aslan vs. Raffael Cerqueira
  • Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan
  • Farid Basharat vs. Victor Hugo

As UFC 308 approaches, the addition of Orolbai vs. Rebecki adds another layer of excitement to an already stacked card. Fight fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating this lightweight clash, which promises to deliver fireworks and potentially unveil the division’s next rising star. With both fighters hungry to make their mark, this bout is shaping up to be a can’t-miss affair for MMA enthusiasts.