Anderson "The Spider" Silva won for the first time since 2012 after he out-pointed Derek Brunson at UFC 208.
The Brazilian won on the scorecards 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 as he consolidated his position in the middleweight division.
Thank YOU, @SpiderAnderson! #UFC208 pic.twitter.com/PILN2gYoRr
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2017
Speaking afterwards he said: “I worked hard for a long time in my life to fight here,” the 41-year-old Silva said. “I put my heart in this all the time. Now when I come here to fight, I give my best. I know I’m too old to fight. These guys are fast and strong, but I put my heart in this."
“I come to fight happy. I love my job, I love the UFC, I love my fans. For a long time it was my dream to fight in New York,” he added.
Elsewhere on the night, Germaine de Randamie became the first ever UFC Women's featherweight champion when she beat Holly Holm by a close unanimous decision. Controversy surrounded the fight after the Dutch fighter landed a couple of late blows after the bell without receiving a one point deduction.
#AndNew UFC featherweight champion of the world, @IronLadyMMA! #UFC208 pic.twitter.com/uczLZdb8Cy
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2017
Jacare Souza kept himself in contention for a title fight with a first round submission win over Tim Boetsch and Glover Teixeira beat Jared Cannionier by decision.
Dustin Poirier came out on top against Jim Miller in a bout which received "Fight of the Night" honours and both fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their efforts.
No matter the winner, that was an awesome fight! #UFC208 pic.twitter.com/abWaHZnzAb
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2017
