UFC Jacksonville: Mateusz Rebecki Batters Loik Radzhabov in Second Round

Mateusz Rębecki and Loik Radzhabov, UFC Jacksonville
Mateusz Rębecki and Loik Radzhabov, UFC Jacksonville ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Youtube/UFC

Mateusz Rebecki put together a complete performance at UFC Jacksonville, accumulating leg kicks before finishing Loik Radzhabov in the second round.

Dana White’s Contender Series found another gem in Poland’s Mateusz Rebecki. Coming into the fight, Rebecki had finished 14 of his 17 victories. However, his UFC debut in January went to decision. His opponent at UFC Jacksonville was Loik Radzhabov, a former PFL title contender coming off a win in his promotional debut.

Mateusz Rebecki started the fight with kick-heavy approach, marching forward against Radzhabov. The low kicks were finding a home, so Radzhabov tried to change things up with a clinch. Rebecki broke free and withstood a punch combination from Radzhabov. Rebecki landed the first takedown of the fight, moving to side control. There was enough space for Radzhabov to spin out from side control and return to the feet, where he was met with several punches from Rebecki. A hard leg kick connected for Rebecki and Radzhabov was on his back again. A straight armbar attempt from Rebecki came up short, but he was in full control of the fight through one round with Radzhabov struggling with his left leg.

Rebecki opened up the second round with a hard leg kick and Radzhabov was wobbled. Rebecki continued pressuring with his opponent in a compromised state. More and more strikes came through at a steady pace from Rebecki until a left hand knocked down Radzhabov and the referee had seen enough punishment.

Rebecki was limping after the fight with a suspected broken foot or toe. A casualty of all the heavy leg kicks he landed throughout the fight.

Mateusz Rebecki def. Loik Radzhabov by TKO (Strikes) in Round 2 (2:36)