Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to pay-per-view (PPV) for a thrilling mixed martial arts (MMA) event last night (Sat., Aug. 20, 2016) in Las Vegas, Nevada, as UFC 202 gave fight fans -- who packed into T-Mobile Arena -- a wild night of pay-per-view (PPV)-worthy action. In the main event of the evening, Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor went to war for 25 minutes, providing fans with a fight for the ages that saw "Notorious" bust up Diaz to earn a close -- and controversial -- majority decision (watch video highlights here).
In other main card action, Donald Cerrone dominated Rick Story on the feet before knocking him out in the second round with a great combination (recap here), while Anthony Johnson steamrolled Glover Teixiera en route to a 13-second knockout win (highlights).
Biggest Winner: Anthony Johnson
After taking out Teixiera in opening frame in a matter of just 13 seconds, "Rumble" earned himself another championship fight against Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. In the process, he became the first man -- other than Eric Schwartz back in 2002 -- to finish the Brazilian, reminding the rest of the 205-pound division just what kind of damage he can do if he lands one single clean shot. It's something "DC" can attest to, as well, and something he will be prepared for in their upcoming rematch.
Runners Up: Donald Cerrone an Conor McGregor
"Cowboy" has been on a roll since losing his first-ever title fight at Lightweight to Rafael dos Anjos, winning three straight at Welterweight since moving up a weight class. His latest "W" came at the expense of Rick Story, knocking out "The Horror" with a nice combination in round two, forcing the official on duty to call a halt to the fight. Cerrone just looks looser and fresher at 170 pounds. On an interesting note, Cerrone opted to call out the current 155-pound champion Eddie Alvarez to a championship showdown at UFC 205 in New York. Whether or not UFC officials oblige remains to be seen, but "Cowboy" looks good at Welterweight and a few more wins in the division could earn him a shot at that coveted strap.
Conor McGregor, meanwhile, kept his train from completely going off the track after he got some much-needed get-back on Nate Diaz after the two men put on a five-round war for the ages that saw "Notorious" bust up the Stockton scrapper and bloody him up to earn a majority decision win. Long live the king? Hardly, but it was a gutsy performance against a much bigger man that should erase the memory of him tapping into submission just five months ago ... at least in the short-term.
Biggest Loser: Glover Teixiera
Not only did Teixiera get knocked out before he could break a sweat, the Brazilian bomber lost out on the opportunity to compete for the 205-pound title again after falling victim to "Rumble's" one-punch knockout power. Still, it's nothing to be terribly ashamed of, as many a men have fallen to his lead fists.
For complete UFC 202: "Diaz vs. McGregor 2" results, including real-time play-by-play updates, click here.