Summary

  • UFC star Michael Bisping makes history with first middleweight title defence

  • The British fighter recovered from an early knockdown to win judges decision against Dan Henderson

  • London-based Jimi Manuwa scores second round KO over Ovince Saint Preux

  • Gegard Mousasi beats Vitor Belfort while cult favourite Brad Pickett loses to first round submission

Live Reporting

Marc Higginson

  1. A brief history of UFC

    Lorenzo and Frank FertittaGetty Images

    Brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta helped to grow UFC into the massive business it is today

    For those wanting a bit of a UFC history lesson, it began in 1993 with 36 American states banning the sport and the first event attracting 7,800 spectators.

    It grew under the ownership of Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, alongside friend and UFC president Dana White, and the UFC now attracts sell-out crowds in 60,000-capacity arenas. 

    Now owned by WME-IMG, the company has still flourished: according to Fox Sports, Conor McGregor's rematch against Nate Diaz at UFC 202 broke the record for the total number of pay-per-view buys in the history of the sport with 1.65 million - which would rank eighth in boxing's most-watched pay-per-view fights.

  2. First round

    Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi

    That's excellent from Mousasi who catches Belfort with a cracking combination. Two shots which thunder into the Brazilian's chops.

  3. Jagroop Shinbt
    BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

    There is something about the Dutch UFC fighters and making epic entrances to blasting dance music...

    Stefan Struve ran into the octagon with the Nederlands flag around his shoulders and now it's Gegard Mousasi's turn to bring the party to Manchester Arena.

  4. First round

    Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi

    Vitor Belfort has a look of Sergio Aguero. Now, if he could finish like him... this won't last much longer.

  5. Jagroop Shinbt
    BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

    Mousasi shakes a finger at Belfort as he lands some power shots to his head.

    The Dutch fighter is not impressed.

  6. First round

    Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi

    Mousasi is keen to get this down to the canvas. Belfort wants to stay on his feet and use his undoubted power.

  7. First round

    Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi

    Mousasi unleashes a kick, gets caught out and Belfort counters with a punch which, if it had connected, would have sparked his opponent.

  8. First round

    Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi

    Let me tell you this... Vitor Belfort looks bang up for it tonight. Fight on.

  9. Next up

    Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi

    It's time for the co-main event: Vitor Belfort v Gegard Mousasi.

    Mousasi is couldn't be any more laid back if he tried...

  10. Jagroop Shinbt
    BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

    "British fights should be scheduled for UK prime time. Reward us for our loyalty and put the British fans first Dana!" says Lak Mondhaer who drove from Wolverhampton to be here tonight.

  11. Bisping v Henderson (ring-walk at 05:00 BST)

    Michael Bisping and his team went for an Italian meal last night, in readiness for tonight's bout.

    They all look rather relaxed. And they clearly didn't have Spag Bol, judging by the pristine white t-shirts!

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  12. Jagroop Shinbt
    BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

    A left handed rocket from Manuwa gives Saint Preux no chance and the crowd erupt as the Englishman raises his hands to a standing ovation.

  13. A 'wow' KO

    BBC Sport's Stuart Rowson: At ringside that winning shot even made Dana White mouth: "wow". The knockout was right in front of him... he was more than impressed.

  14. Saint Preux v Manuwa

    It was a solid right which saw OSP buckle, and a left turned the lights out.

    Onwards and upwards for Jimmy Manuwa.

  15. Manuwa knocks out Saint Preux

    Saint Preux v Manuwa

    Both men are trading some heavy shots now. Stand and deliver.

    Manuwa growing into this second round.

    And the Englishman unloads a stunning right which sends OSP to sleep.

  16. Second round

    Saint Preux v Manuwa

    OSP throws a big right, which is countered by a left from Manuwa.

    A change in tactic from the first round.

  17. Jagroop Shinbt
    BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

    "Hit him, hit him!" shouts Jimi Manuwa's cornerman. 

    I've got a feeling somebody is going to have a sore throat in the morning.

  18. First round

    Saint Preux v Manuwa

    That's the end of the first round. OSP 10-9 for me.

  19. Jagroop Shinbt
    BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

    It’s past 4am but from the sound inside the Manchester Arena, you’d think it was just a regular night.

    “The place is jammed packed and the people are buzzing – it’s just so great to have the UFC in Manchester, I don’t think anybody’s bothered about how late it is,” says an eager fight fan.

  20. First round

    Saint Preux v Manuwa

    Stalemate as OSP gets on top of his opponent. Londoner Manuwa is up against it here.