UFC 203 results: Stipe Miocic survives early knockdown, storms back to knockout Alistair Overeem

Newly-minted Heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, made his first-ever title defense tonight (Sept. 10, 2016) against Alistair Overeem in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event of UFC 203, which took place inside Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. And it was another good night for the hometown hero, who survived an early knockdown to score a devastating first round knockout.

Miocic looked to press the action early, however, Overeem wanted no part of it, jogging around the Octagon -- then running -- as the champion chased him around the cage. Miocic missed with a kick and finally cornered Overeem, who threw up his hands like, "don't hurt me," but then fired a missile of a left hand that dropped Miocic. Rather than follow up with strikes, Overeem wrapped up a guillotine choke, which Miocic was able to escape. He was still buzzed, though, but he continued to hunt down "Demoltion Man." Miocic was able to turn the tide shortly thereafter with several hard shots, but then right as the crowd was getting fired up, Overeem wobbled Miocic again with another combination. Overeem threw out a lazy kick with about one minute remaining in the first round, which Miocic used to score a takedown. He got back to his feet, and Overeem didn't, as Miocic fired standing shots as Overeem tried to defend off his back. He didn't do a very good job though, as Miocic snuck in about four head bouncers that turned out the lights of the Dutchman.

What a fun, back-and-forth round. It was clear that Overeem wanted no part of Miocic's stand up -- he literally ran away every chance he could get. And it was a smart gameplan while it lasted. Unfortunately for him, Miocic was able to take his best shot, escape a submission, pin him down and crack his chin for a sensational first round knockout.

For complete results from UFC 203: "Miocic vs. Overeem," including play-by-play updates, click here and here.