The UFC 264 main event between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor ended in wild fashion – but perhaps in a way not many anticipated.

After a high-action, high-output first round, Poirier (28-6 MMA, 20-5 UFC) defeated McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) when the Irishman suffered a nasty leg injury in the final seconds of Round 1. The fight was waved off, at the advice of the cage-side physician, in between rounds 1 and 2.

The lightweight bout was the UFC 264 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The first round began and McGregor came out flying with kicks. Poirier answered with kicks of his own. The two slugged it out before Poirier got McGregor against the cage. McGregor pulled for a guillotine choke, which was unsuccessful.

Already making major trades #UFC264 pic.twitter.com/NteQEyamDx

— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2021

Once the fight hit the canvas, Poirier rained down ground-and-pound while McGregor threw upkicks in an attempt to cause damage while keeping Poirier from landing strikes.

HEAVY ground and pound by the Diamond ?#UFC264 pic.twitter.com/MlDAiNKKtW

— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2021

With about 15 seconds left in the round after the fight returned to the feet, McGregor rolled his ankle after both men threw punches at the same time. His leg bent under him backward at a grotesque angle and he never got up off the canvas through the official announcement.

The DIAMOND gets the dub via Doctor's Stoppage in RD 1⃣ #UFC264 pic.twitter.com/fa4u4LVxzl

— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2021

The win for Poirier tilts the lifetime series in his favor. The two fighters first faced off at UFC 178 in September 2014. The featherweight fight ended 1:46 into Round 1 when McGregor flattened Poirier with a series of punches.

Seven years later, McGregor and Poirier squared off again – this time at lightweight. The fight was the main event of UFC 257 in January 2021. After a competitive first round, Poirier battered the leg of McGregor. The damage rendered McGregor hobbled and Poirier finished him with a barrage of punches at 2:32 of Round 2.

Prior to UFC 264, promotion president Dana White declared the winner will be the No. 1 contender at 155 pounds. With that, Poirier punches his ticket to face UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the title.

Entering his second undisputed UFC title fight, Poirier rides a three-fight winning streak with a victory over Dan Hooker and two over McGregor. “The Diamond” unsuccessfully challenged for the UFC title in September 2019 when he was submitted by then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

As for McGregor, the loss is his third in four fights. Since his UFC featherweight title win against Jose Aldo, the Irishman has gone 3-4 in the UFC.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 264 results include:

• Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
• Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Tai Tuivasa def. Greg Hardy via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:07
• Irene Aldana def. Yana Kunitskaya via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:35
• Sean O’Malley def. Kris Moutinho via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:33
• Max Griffin def. Carlos Condit via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Michel Pereira def. Niko Price via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Ilia Topuria def. Ryan Hall via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:47
• Dricus Du Plessis def. Trevin Giles via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 1:41
• Jennifer Maia def. Jessica Eye via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Brad Tavares def. Omari Akhmedov via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Zhalgas Zhumagulov def. Jerome Rivera via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:02

Brandon Moreno makes history as the first Mexico-born UFC champion by defeating Deiveson Figueiredo.

Moreno (19-5-2 MMA, 7-2-2 UFC) emerged victorious in the flyweight title rematch against Figueiredo (20-2-1 MMA, 9-2-1 UFC) on Saturday evening, sending fans in attendance into a frenzy.

The flyweight title bout was the UFC 263 co-main event at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. It aired on ESPN following early prelims on ESPN+ and ahead of the main card on pay-per-view.

Moreno began the fight ready to let his hands fly early and often while the champ Figueiredo stayed defensive. The Brazilian’s patience worked in his favor at moments as he found a home for a few hard counters. However, Moreno’s consistent aggression led to a hard, well-timed jab that dropped the champ briefly. The first round belonged to the challenger, who looked ready to make a statement.

Figueiredo switched up the game plan in the second round by taking Moreno to the mat early, much to the disappointment of the Phoenix crowd. Moreno stayed calm on the canvas, fighting off a couple of guillotine choke attempts before bringing the fight back to the feet. Moments later Moreno completed a takedown of his own, ending up in the champ’s full guard until the conclusion of the round.

The pair met in the center of the cage to start the third, exchanging kicks and punches. Moreno scrambled for a takedown, ended up on the champ’s back, and immediately began looking for a rear-naked choke. The champ defended well for a moment, but after adjusting, Moreno clamped back down on the submission to get the tap.

?????? VIVA MEXICO ??????

? @TheAssassinBaby LEFT NO DOUBT!!!!! #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/rJoEn1OXQE

— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2021

Moreno and Figueiredo’s first meeting at UFC 256 was not only Fight of the Night, it was one of the best fights of 2020. Saturday’s rematch had a lot to live up to in comparison, but Moreno’s spectacular submission finish made the moment special.

“For everyone in Mexico, dreams can be achieved, dreams can be achieved. Look at me now,” Moreno said in Spanish during his post-fight interview.

“I’m so f*cking happy! Viva Mexico!”

MEXICO, YOU HAVE A NEW CHAMPION ??? @TheAssassinBaby #ANDNEW #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/kPqwVgSmrS

— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2021

The flyweight division has a new king, and for the first time in any division under the UFC banner, the champion was born in Mexico. With the UFC’s recent focus on developing talent in Latin America, Moreno’s win could be the boost the region needed.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 263 results include:

• Brandon Moreno def. Deiveson Figueiredo via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 3, 2:26
• Leon Edwards def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
• Belal Muhammad def. Demian Maia via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Paul Craig def. Jamahal Hill via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:59
• Brad Riddell def. Drew Dober via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Eryk Anders def. Darren Stewart via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
• Lauren Murphy def. Joanne Calderwood via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Movsar Evloev def. Hakeem Dawodu via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
• Pannie Kianzad def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Terrance McKinney def. Matt Frevola via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:07
• Steven Peterson def. Chase Hooper via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Fares Ziam def. Luigi Vendramini via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
• Carlos Felipe def. Jake Collier via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Israel Adesanya is two-for-two against Marvin Vettori.

The UFC middleweight champion, Adesanya (21-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) retained his title Saturday when he defeated his two-time rival Vettori (17-4-1 MMA, 7-3-1 UFC) via unanimous decision.

The middleweight title bout was the UFC 263 main event at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. It aired on ESPN following early prelims on ESPN+ and ahead of the main card on pay-per-view.

At UFC on FOX 29 in April 2018, Adesanya defeated Vettori via split decision. The fight was Adesanya’s second in the promotion and Vettori’s fifth. Since their first meeting, the two exchanged verbal jabs in interviews and written insults on social media, which all led up to their rematch Saturday.

The fight was largely dominant in Adesanya’s favor. The champion utilized his leg kicks as a major debilitating weapon as Vettori plodded forward. Although Vettori did secure multiple takedowns in the fight, they were few and far between and often were reversed by Adesanya.

Vettori’s best moment came in Round 3 when he got Adesanya’s back and worked for a rear-naked choke. However, the struggle was brief and Adesanya wiggled his way out to land on top.

Turned it AROUND ?? #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/rbaJo1gLmH

— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2021

When the final bell rang and the judges’ decision was read, Vettori looked stunned. He exchanged calm words with Adesanya as the two argued about whether or not the decision was accurate.

After the fight, Adesanya dedicated the win to his late friend and City Kickboxing training partner Fau Vake, who was brutally beaten and later died in May. He then turned his attention to his next potential challenge and called for a rematch against Robert Whittaker, the man he took the title from in 2019.

The MW throne is ALLLLLL HIS ? #ANDSTILL

[ @Stylebender | #UFC263 ] pic.twitter.com/jPW697gyD0

— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2021

This one meant more ?@Stylebender #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/13BJ9B57ov

— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2021

Adesanya, 31, returns to the win column after an unsuccessful crack at attaining double champ status. At UFC 259 in March, Adesanya lost a unanimous decision in a title challenge against light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. The loss was the first of his career.

Returning to middleweight, Adesanya successfully defended his title for the third time. His first two defenses came against Paulo Costa and Yoel Romero.

As for Vettori, the loss snaps a five-fight winning streak. Prior to Saturday, Vettori’s last loss came in his first fight against Adesanya. All of Vettori’s career losses have come by decision.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 263 results include:

• Israel Adesanya def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
• Brandon Moreno def. Deiveson Figueiredo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:26 – to win flyweight title
• Leon Edwards def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
• Belal Muhammad def. Demian Maia via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Paul Craig def. Jamahal Hill via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:59
• Brad Riddell def. Drew Dober via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Eryk Anders def. Darren Stewart via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
• Lauren Murphy def. Joanne Calderwood via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Movsar Evloev def. Hakeem Dawodu via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
• Pannie Kianzad def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Terrance McKinney def. Matt Frevola via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:07
• Steven Peterson def. Chase Hooper via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Fares Ziam def. Luigi Vendramini via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
• Carlos Felipe def. Jake Collier via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The boos rained down on Jake Paul as he walked to his seat at UFC 261. Before long, the chant began.

The chant rang throughout the arena as Randy Brown and Alex Oliveira slugged it out in the featured prelim. It caught the attention of UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

“What are they chanting?” Rogan asked on the broadcast, though no one at the time had an answer.

Immediately after Brown submitted Oliveira with a one-armed rear-naked choke, Rogan let viewers know what the chant was.

“I found out what the chant was. It was ‘F Jake Paul,'” Rogan said. “That’s what they were all yelling out. How’d that get started? I don’t know.”

Paul’s presence seemed to strike a nerve with Rogan’s broadcast partner, Daniel Cormier, who has a recently birthed beef with the YouTube star-turned-boxer.

“I swear to God, I just saw Jake Paul. I pointed at him and said, ‘Don’t play with me,’ because I’ll smack him in the face,” Cormier responded. “He’s right there. I’ll slap him. I don’t play those games, Joe.”

Daniel Cormier wants to smack Jake Paul lmao #ufc261 pic.twitter.com/PVas9Oq0CI

— THE NBA Hustle ? (@TheNBAHustle) April 25, 2021

But that wasn’t it. After Brown’s post-fight interview concluded and the UFC’s famous “Baba O’Reilly” montage played in front of a live audience for the first time in 13 months, Cormier left his position and made a B-line toward where Paul was seated.

As UFC security intervened, Cormier exchanged words with Paul before he was escorted back to his cageside seat. The exchange was captured by MMA Junkie’s John Morgan and can be seen in the video above and the tweet below.

Jake Paul is in the building at #UFC261. Did you hear Daniel Cormier say on the broadcast that he'd "slap him in the face?"

Well, they had a confrontation. ?

(? @MMAjunkieJohn) pic.twitter.com/ilwWgIO2rw

— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) April 25, 2021

Here's the video ?

Daniel Cormier confronts Jake Paul at #UFC261
pic.twitter.com/VbQ2rwTrdP

— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) April 25, 2021

The confrontation between Cormier and Paul didn’t materialize on the spot. Since Paul’s knockout win against Ben Askren last Saturday, he exchanged words with Cormier through social media and in interviews.

On a recent episode of his brother Logan Paul’s podcast, “IMPAULSIVE”, Jake sounded off on Cormier for his past support of Askren.

“Shut the f*ck up, b*tch,” Paul said. “I’ll beat the f*ck out of your fat ass, too, just like Stipe did. Cleveland sh*t. I swear to God. I’ll beat the f*ck out of Daniel Cormier.”

On ESPN, Cormier shrugged off Paul’s comments – and a tweet the YouTube star had sent, which insulted Cormier. The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion said he was not interested in “punching down” by fighting someone like Paul.

“This dude would never fight me,” Cormier said on ESPN. “I would kill him. Why would I ever fight someone like that?”