Short-notice newcomer Nick Fiore was saddled with a tough first assignment in his octagon debut at UFC Vegas 67, paired up with Mateusz Rebecki in a lightweight contest.
Fiore, an undefeated New England Cartel member, was getting a considerable step up in competition in the fight. Too high a step, as it eventually turned out.
The aggression right away from Rebecki came with powerful kicks to the body. Fiore, trying to get some respect, did land a clean right hand. It didn’t work as Rebecki was still aggressive throwing power punches. Rebecki landed a nice combination highlighted with an uppercut and body kick.
Not respecting the power of Fiore, Rebecki was throwing heavy using a lot of energy. Rebecki kept mixing it up chomping the legs, digging hooks to the body, and throwing combinations to the head. He had Fiore so worried about the damage he didn’t see the takedown coming from Rebecki. Rebecki ended the final minute of the round on top in guard landing short elbows.
Another nasty body kick landed from Rebecki to start round two. Constant forward pressure from Rebecki followed, keeping Fiore on his back foot. He landed a nasty series of strikes to the body. Credit to Fiore as he stayed tough and did stop a takedown. Rebecki was gassed and Fiore surprised him with a takedown. Rebecki was able to get back to his feet and landed a power double takedown. The difference on the bottom was Fiore wasn’t able to escape and Rebecki ended the round on top.
Fiore shot in on the takedown early in round three. Rebecki stuffed it and went back to swinging. Only briefly as Rebecki shot in on a takedown and got it. Basically the entire third round saw Rebecki remaining on top staying busy. Making it difficult for Fiore to do anything.
Official Result: Mateusz Rebecki def. Nick Fiore by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
