- In the evening’s main event Justin Gaethjehanded Tony Ferguson his first loss in seven years and won his first UFC title with a TKO finish in the fifth round.
- Reflecting on his victory Gaethje said: “I haven’t had time to soak it in. I can’t wait to watch the fight, I was so good tonight. I truly just believed in my skills and in my coaches and what a great time I just had. It was a great challenge and I’m very happy right now, I can’t wait to go home and see my family. I know how much happiness I just brought to people and that feels great. I don’t have any expectations when I step in there, just be my best self and I was good tonight. My timing is incredible, my coaches were incredible, and I was incredible tonight. This is what I was born, raised bred to do. You get one life and I’m living a crazy one and it’s so awesome. I can’t wait for that challenge, win or lose, I’m going to give it 100% and have one hell of a time.”
- In the co-main event Henry Cejudo added a sixth straight contest to his name by defeating Dominick Cruz with a TKO in round two. “The Messenger” added another legend to his resume and cemented his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
- Following his announcement to retire Cejudo said: “If I couldn’t beat Dominick, I’m not going to beat those other guys. I was pretty confident in the fact that I was going to get the victory, but even if I were to lose, I’d be like I’m done, I’m not going to the back of the line. Ultimately, I want to leave on top. I think that’s every fighter’s dream, but nobody ever really does it. Georges St-Pierre doesn’t have two belts like me. He retired, but he didn’t have two belts, I do. All due respect to the legend. When you combined what I’ve done in the sports world in general, you’ve got to put out there as the greatest combat sports athlete of all time. Olympic champ, flyweight champ and bantamweight champ, and I defended both titles. I’m happy, I’m satisfied. Listen to your ability and listen to your heart. If your heart is able to match your ability, that’s when you become the 1% of the 1%.”
- In the contest of knockout artists in the heavyweight division, Francis Ngannou defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik with a KO In the first round. This victory reaffirms “The Predator’s” status as a legitimate contender in a competitive division.
- Pleased with his confident performance Ngannou said: “I had fun out there, it wasn’t something I was chasing. When I chase the knockout, it doesn’t work, so I don’t chase anymore. When he called me out, I’m like, “this guy doesn’t know what he’s doing”. He just came here and had a few knockouts, but I didn’t see anything impressive, but I don’t mind people calling me out.”
