Francis Ngannou defeated Ciryl Gane via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to remain the UFC heavyweight champion.
What happened?
Gane had a strong start, using his footwork and distance management to pick apart Ngannou with strikes in the opening rounds.
Ngannou began to grapple Gane in the third round, which proved to be the difference-maker in the fight.
Why it matters for Francis Ngannou
Ngannou's victory marked his first title defense and sixth straight win, with his last loss being to Derrick Lewis in 2018.
The win also secured Ngannou's position as the UFC heavyweight champion, despite his current contract issues with the UFC.
What comes next?
Ngannou revealed he fully tore his MCL and hurt his ACL three weeks ago, making his win even more impressive.
Ngannou's management team has been at odds with the UFC, but his win ensures he will remain under contract due to the champion's clause.
And Ngannou will now look to continue his reign as champion, with his next fight yet to be announced.
But for now, Ngannou can celebrate his hard-fought victory over Gane, which showcased his skills as a well-rounded fighter.
So the future looks bright for Ngannou, who has proven himself to be one of the top heavyweights in the UFC.
Ngannou's postfight interview, as reported by MMA Fighting, revealed the challenges he faced in his training camp.
The 35-year-old Ngannou has now won six straight fights, including his victory over Stipe Miocic last March.
Gane, on the other hand, fell to 10-1 as a pro and 7-1 in the UFC, with his first loss being to Ngannou.
The fight was a highly anticipated one, with Ngannou and Gane facing off in the UFC 270 main event.
Ngannou's victory was a testament to his determination and skill, as he overcame a tough opponent and a serious injury.
As the UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou will continue to be a major force in the sport, with his next fight eagerly anticipated by fans.