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The Pole rewrites history at UFC Belgrade and reignites his ambitions in the lightweight rankings
UFC

Published 72 days ago

The Pole rewrites history at UFC Belgrade and reignites his ambitions in the lightweight rankings

Mateusz Rębecki made a statement by dominating Kyle Prepolec in the first round at UFC Belgrade on August 1, giving his coach Dawid Pepłowski the chance to dream of a return to the lightweight spotlight. This stunning victory reignites the Pole’s ambitions, who could soon break into the top 15 before targeting the top 10 by the end of 2026.

To remember:

  • Mateusz Rębecki crushes Kyle Prepolec in the first round at UFC Belgrade on August 1, marking a spectacular return to form after three consecutive losses.
  • His coach, Dawid Pepłowski, praises a redefined style, combining precise striking and a dominant ground game, making him a more complete fighter.
  • With 18 MMA wins (8 by KO), Rębecki could quickly enter the top 15 and is targeting the top 10 by the end of 2026 thanks to an intensive preparation.

Incredible! Mateusz Rębecki delivered one of the most convincing performances of his career by taking down Kyle Prepolec in the first round at UFC Belgrade on August 1. A victory that marks a turning point after three consecutive losses and reignites his ambitions in the lightweight division. For his coach, Dawid Pepłowski, this success is not just a rebirth, but the start of a climb toward the top of the UFC rankings.


This fight revealed a transformed Rębecki: more technical, more aggressive, and above all, more well-rounded. Pepłowski emphasizes that his protégé has rediscovered his old style, combining precise striking and a formidable ground game. With an impressive record of 18 MMA wins (8 by KO), the 30-year-old Pole now has all the cards in hand to shake up the lightweight top 15. And Pepłowski doesn’t hide his ambitions: a top 10 spot by the end of 2026, with an intensive one-year preparation to get there.


A redefined style, a reignited ambition

The victory in Belgrade is no mere flash in the pan. It confirms that Rębecki has evolved into a more versatile fighter. His coach highlights his ability to impose his pace from the opening seconds, a rare quality in such a competitive division. “He’s regained his confidence and natural aggression, but with a tactical maturity that was missing before,” confides Pepłowski.


With a packed schedule and optimized preparation, the Pole could well surprise the pundits. His next challenge? Proving he can string together high-level performances. One thing is certain: after that legendary first round in Belgrade, no one doubts his ability to aim for the top anymore.

Between technical rebirth and sky-high ambition, Mateusz Rębecki has written a new chapter in his journey at UFC Belgrade. With a determined coach and a reworked style, the Pole could well become one of the surprises of the coming months in the lightweight division. Stay tuned!

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Damn, Rębecki struck like Batman bursting out of the Batcave after three years of Joker mode, brushing his teeth with coffee. That 12-second KO is pure spectacle—the kind of round that makes you forget the three losses before. Pepłowski’s right, he’s got his insane striking and scary ground game back, but let’s not turn this into another "I’m back" moment that fizzles out, like an OSS 117 returning after a movie in prison. Top 10 by 2026? Ambitious, but at this rate, he might just pull it off… as long as he doesn’t run into a T-Rex (aka a Charles Oliveira) head-on. Until then, the show goes on, and it feels damn good. Mic drop.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

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