UFC 136 results recap: A look back on a wildly successful weekend of fights in Houston

Sometimes you have fight cards that have the all the hype of the 2010-2011 Miami Heat. The problem is that occasionally, you get the same results as the 2010-2011 Miami Heat.

UFC 136 in Houston, Texas, this past Saturday night (Oct. 8, 2011) had all the makings of a stellar show prior to the promotion's arrival at the Toyota Center. Fans witnessed the rubber match to end all rubber matches, as well as another champion retaining his belt and keeping his pound-for-pound fighting status alive in the process.

What's more, a top middleweight contender was appointed as the plot between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva only thickened. And in other action, underdogs shut up their critics and fan favorites gave their audience a reason to stand and applaud.

It delivered, from bottom to top, as advertised.

Here are some details on an exciting night of fights that somehow seemed to fly below the radar:

In the main event, UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar put the final nail in the coffin of the story between himself and Gray Maynard. Well, at least for now, anyway. After being brutally dominated and nearly knocked out in the first round, Edgar bravely fought through the pain, worked his way back into the fight and managed to turn the tables on "The Bully" in the fourth round.

Watch video highlights from Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard UFC 136 fight right here.

In a number one contender eliminator match between Chael Sonnen and Brian Stann, Sonnen used his top-level takedowns and grossly underestimated ground-and-pound to pummel his buddy and grab hold of a second chance to beat up current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.

After the fight, Sonnen grabbed the microphone and called out "The Spider," going so far as to offer to leave the UFC if he drops a "loser leaves town match" in early 2012. Bold words, but what's new?

Kenny Florian was unable again to take advantage of an opportunity to wear UFC gold around his waist in a very close bout against Jose Aldo. "Scarface" got the decision nod from the judges, but afterward had President Dana White calling for him to move up to lightweight and take on "The Answer."

Watch video highlights from Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian UFC 136 fight right here.

Former network administrator and computer geek, Joe Lauzon, showed fellow lightweight Melvin Guillard that it's not a good idea to count your chickens before they hatch. He also showed that it's not a good idea to give "J-Lau" your back ... ever.

In a fight that instantly gained momentum in the conversation for "Fight of the Year," Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan had the "Space City" fans jumping out of their seats. After a controversial decision the last time these two met on Dec. 4, 2010, Phan took the decision this time, much to the delight of the fans in attendance.

Anthony Pettis jumped back aboard the "win-wagon" with an exciting split decision victory over fellow lightweight Jeremy Stephens. Demian Maia did much to further de-rail the hype train of former Sengoku Middleweight Champion Jorge Santiago in a dominant decision victory.

And fans saw the debut of perhaps the next "Cro Cop" as Croatian Stipe Miocic brought the pain to the always-willing-to-brawl Joey Beltran.

Enough of our banter. What was your favorite UFC 136 highlight, Maniacs?

For complete UFC 136 results and a detailed recap of all the action click here and here. To check out a recap of the UFC 136 fights that were streamed online via Facebook click here. Want to know what happened on the UFC 136 "Prelims" portion of the card? To read a full recap click here.

And just in case you want to get up to speed on the entire UFC 136 fight card from cradle to grave click here.