Ed Herman had been away from the Octagon for more than 21 months after suffering a horrible pair of knee injuries.

He made an emphatic statement in his return at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 13 Finale tonight (June 4, 2011) against "Crazy" Tim Credeur.

Credeur, like Herman, had been troubled by medical issues of his own, which had kept him away from the cage for nearly as long as "Short Fuse." But it was Herman who connected standing to end the Louisiana native's night early.

Just 40 seconds into the first round, both men clinched and then it all went wrong for Credeur.

Really, really wrong.

Herman grabbed onto the back of Credeur's head and brought it down directly into a pair of uppercuts. The second uppercut knocked Credeur silly and sent him to the canvas.

Once he saw his opponent in peril, Herman pounced and landed several flush blows on the ground before referee Herb Dean stepped in and stopped the fight.

An emotional Herman was jubilant inside the cage, thanking everyone who has stood by him while he was sidelined.

With two very likable guys duking it out, it was a shame that one had to lose, but at least it was highlight reel worthy.