Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated interim champion Dustin Poirier in their UFC 242 title unification bout in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.
The lightweight world champion won by submission in the third round to take his record to 28 and 0.
Thirty-year-old Numagomedov also defeated Conor McGregor via submission at UFC 229 last year.
Meanwhile, Paul "The Irish Dragon" Felder won a split-decision against old rival Edson Barboza.
More than 5,500 mixed martial arts fans had descended on The Arena in the UAE's capital for the spectacle.
The bouts were the main event in the week-long Abu Dhabi Showdown Week entertainment festival.


Mid East and Mumbai prepare for historic United Series showdown
Arsenal make it six out of six with easy win over Club Brugge
Gulf Giants defeat Sharjah Warriorz by six wickets
Ryder Cup stars Hovland, Lowry, Johnson to play 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic
UAE qualifies for FIFA Arab Cup quarter-finals
