It was billed as the best bantamweight fight in UFC history, and it lived up to the billing.
UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw stepped in to defend against former champion Dominick Cruz. It is a fight that has been a long time coming as Cruz battled injury after injury. Dillashaw stepped up in his absence to take control of the division, but the king took back his throne Sunday evening.
It wasn’t easy. Cruz had to hang on as Dillashaw came on strong in the championship rounds, but two of the three judges saw it for The Dominator. Both men walked out of the cage bloodied, battered and heralded as the best of the best. They gave every bit of themselves for the fans and the championship gold.
Were you able to catch all the action following the NFL playoffs? If not, Bleacher Report has you covered. The 13-fight event delivered a variety of talking points that will shape a few division in 2016. Here is what you missed and the real winners and losers from UFC Fight Night 81 in Boston.
Full results of the fight card are featured on the final slide.