UFC 321 once again proved why fans consider the promotion the world’s premier MMA organization, with Dustin Poirier watching the action. Under the bright lights of the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, fans witnessed Ludovit Klein and Mateusz Rebecki engage in a fierce lightweight battle. While expectations were high for an exciting bout, few, however, anticipated the bloody, relentless clash that unfolded over all three rounds. Both fighters gave everything in the Octagon, trading heavy strikes as well as terrifying ground-and-pound strikes, especially in the third round.

 Ludovit Klein’s performance was particularly impressive during the promotion’s 22nd visit to Abu Dhabi. For the Slovakian, the stakes were personal—he could not afford another loss against a Polish opponent after a previous defeat to Mateusz Gamrot in May. Ludovit Klein displayed some excellent boxing. Throughout the fight, he held up his guard, negating Rebecki’s strikes while himself landing some pretty impressive precision strikes on the 33-year-old.

He was so good with his strikes that he opened up a nasty cut below Rebecki’s eye, leading him to bleed throughout the rest of the fight. When the Pole realized he couldn’t win with his boxing against an opponent like Klein, Mateusz Rebecki forced the fight to the ground, where he tried to outwrestle the Slovakian. In one such exchange in the final minutes of the fight, Ludovit Klein twisted his ankle on the ground while Rebecki’s blood poured out over him.

In a closely contested battle, the judges awarded the decision to Ludovit Klein (28-27, 29-28, 28-28) as the Slovakian sat up on the stool to accept his win. UFC veteran Dustin Poirier praised Klein’s effort on X, writing, “Klein is slick!” Klein at UFC 321 delivered a gritty performance that echoed the fierce, bloody battles Poirier was known for. Earlier this year, Poirier brought his 16-year MMA career to a close, retiring after his final bout and completing the trilogy against Max Holloway.

Yet at UFC 318 in front of his hometown fans in Louisiana, Poirier could not fully dominate Holloway. The trilogy ended with Holloway spoiling what many had hoped would be a flawless send-off. Following in Poirier’s footsteps, fans have celebrated Ludovit Klein’s relentless performance at UFC 321. Here’s a closer look.

Fans react to Ludovit Klein vs Mateusz Rebecki showdown at UFC 321

With today’s win, Ludovit Klein improves to 5-1 in his last six UFC outings, bolstering his case for a spot in the top 15. This, however, is far from Klein’s first time in the spotlight. Dubbed ‘Mr. Highlight’ he first drew attention when he handed a rising prospect a decisive defeat. The Slovakian then rode a four-fight win streak before falling to top-10 contender Mateusz Gamrot. Less widely known is that another Polish fighter, Mateusz Rebecki, would challenge Klein upon his return.

Despite the intensity of the fight and a visible injury, fans celebrated Klein’s grit on social media. One fan commented, “Is Klein injured? Looked it. Great performance from him in the first two rounds but that 3rd he looked broken,” while another wrote, “Look at the state of Klein ffs. Big shoutout to him for being able to push through till the end of the fight and even get a win but he doesn’t get paid enough for this #UFC321.”

While supporters praised Ludovit Klein’s performance, they also acknowledged Rebecki’s courage in going toe-to-toe with the Slovakian. A fan remarked, “What a war! Ludovit Klein is also warrior same as Mateusz Rebecki after his foot broken still survives! Good job my pure striker man, Ludovit Klein! #UFC321,” echoed by another, “Rebecki vs Klein was a war 😳 #UFC321.”

Some fans even called for a draw, citing the decisive third round. One wrote, “Klein vs Rębecki should’ve been a tie after the 10-8 in the third #UFC321.” Had that been the case, it would have marked Klein’s second draw in the UFC, following the same outcome against Jai Herbert at UFC 266.

What’s your take on the fans’ perspective? Do you think the epic battle between Ludovit Klein and Mateusz Rebecki at UFC 321 deserved a draw? Share your thoughts below.