While Anderson Silva defended his middleweight title against Demian Maia successfully, Frank Edgar upset B.J. Penn for the lightweight crown at UFC 112.
Edgar's victory was unanimous after the 8-1 underdog sent Penn crashing to the ground twice, the first time in six years Penn has hit the dirt as a lightweight. Most of the fight saw the two men upright, trading strikes.
The event was held at Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates. A temporary arena was erected outside the city center for the bouts, with humidity affecting takedowns. It was the UFC's first trip to the Middle East, and also the first UFC event held in an outdoor arena.
"I just hope I can be half the champion [Penn] was," Edgar told The Associated Press.
The main event saw Silva win unanimously, retaining a title that has been his since October 2006. He taunted Maia early on in the match before slowing down near the end and being told by the referee to start fighting.
"I don't know what got into me tonight," the Brazilian told reporters after the match. "I wasn't as humble as I should have been. I can guarantee you next time it won't happen."
In the other premier event of the night, Matt Hughes defeated Renzo Gracie with 20 seconds remaining in the third round.
Hughes is the UFC's former welterweight champion and was going up against a 43-year-old. He strung Gracie along until a flurry of punches ended the fight.
In other televised card action, Mark Munoz fought back from a disappointing first round to TKO Kendall Grove while Rafael dos Anjos forced Terry Etim to submit in the second round.
