UFC star’s eye completely closes as fans convinced sickening injury cost him victory in ‘fight of the year’

FIGHT fans were left astonished as UFC star Myktybek Orolbai suffered a gruesome eye injury during his defeat to Mateusz Rebecki.

Poland’s Rebecki, 32, claimed a decision win over three brutal rounds against Kyrgyzstan’s Orolbai, 26, on the undercard of UFC 308.

GettyMyktybek Orolbai, left suffered a horror eye injury during his fight with Mateusz Rebecki[/caption]

GettyOrolbai and Rebecki were both left covered in blood[/caption]

GettyOrolbai’s right swelled up and appeared to be closed[/caption]

GettyRebecki had his hand raised at the end of the savage three-round contest[/caption]

It was a bloodbath of a contest as both men were left looking battered and bruised at the final bell.

But the most shocking detail was the state of Orolbai’s right eye.

The MMA fighter, who now has a record of 13 wins, two losses and one draw, saw his eye swell up and appear to close during the bout.

Despite the injury, referee Vitor Ribeiro allowed the clash to continue.

Orolbai bravely saw out the 15 minutes before Rebecki had his hand raised.

Reacting to the injury, one fan said: “That dude is tough.”

Another replied: “This injury cost Orolbai the fight.”

While a third responded: “This dude built different .”

And a fourth said: “Fight of the year for sure.”

UFC 308’s main event sees Ilia Topuria take on Max Holloway in a highly-anticipated featherweight clash.

Also on the bill, taking place in Abu Dhabi, is Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev.