UFC Fight Night 88 results: Cody Garbrandt walks through Thomas Almeida, scores stunning early knockout

HIGHLIGHTS! Watch "No Love" knockout Almeida right here!

UFC Fight Night 88's main event earlier tonight (Sun. May 29, 2016) in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a battle of undefeated 24-year-old UFC Bantamweight prospects. It would only take less than a round for Cody Garbrandt (9-0) to prove he was the better of the two, as the Ohio native defeated Thomas Almedia (21-1) by knockout inside Mandalay Bay Events Center, handing the Brazilian his first career defeat.

The official time of the stoppage came at 2:53 of the first round.

"Hey do I get some respect now? I wasn't even ranked in the Top 15," Garbrandt said to Jon Anik after the bout.

Garbrandt came out aggressively to start the fight, throwing big punches, solid low kicks and a jumping knee, which missed its mark. Garbrandt landed a big left hand that rocked the Brazilian, but Almeida weathered the storm and recovered.

However, lightning would strike again for Garbrandt as he landed a huge right hand that sent Almeida crumpling to the canvas. "No Love" went to the ground to continue his assault, but referee Big John McCarthy flung him away and waved the bout off.

Huge win for Garbrandt, who finished the No.7-ranked UFC Bantamweight in the opening round. He should find himself in the Top-10 of the official UFC rankings come early next week. He is now 4-0 in UFC competition.

Almeida is still one of the best in the division, and should only drop down a spot or two in the rankings after his first career defeat. He falls to 4-1 in UFC.

For complete UFC Fight Night 88: "Almedia vs. Garbrandt" results, including, play-by-play updates, click here.