Kiwi-born MMA fighter Robert Whittaker has landed the biggest win of his burgeoning professional career with a TKO victory over highly-ranked Brazilian veteran Jacare Souza.
Whittaker dropped Souza twice in the second round before unleashing a flurry of ground and pound to force the referee to step in and stop the contest.
The victory should propel the 26-year-old up the middleweight rankings and squarely cement him among the division's elite, a part of the next group of challengers eyeing a shot at champion Michael Bisping's belt.
"I knew he was hurt," said Whittaker.
"I was just telling myself to be patient, the finish will come. And it did."
Whittaker was impressive from the outset, utilising his speed and athleticism to tag Souza on the feet while displaying some brilliant takedown defense in nullifying the world class grappling of the former Jiu-Jitsu world champion.
He really settled into his rhythm in the second stanza, opening the round with a devastating head kick to send Souza to the mat before proceeding to almost land at will and ultimately finish the fight.
Jubilant in his post-fight interview, Whittaker wasted no time in calling out the champion.
"Bisping owes me a fight," he said, referring to a previously scheduled bout from which the Brit was pulled to fill in as a late injury replacement against the belt holder at the time, Luke Rockhold.
"We were supposed to fight all those weeks ago, you owe me a fight, man."
In other bouts, Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson won his 13th straight and in the process equal the great Anderson Silva's record of 10 title defences.
The American submitted Brazilian grappler Wilosn Reis with an armbar late in the third of five scheduled rounds.
Johnson proclaimed himself the greatest champion in UFC history in his post fight interview and said no matter who is next, he wants a $US1million paycheck.
The outstanding women's straweight, Rose Namajunas enhanced her title credentials with an upset win over Michelle Waterson.
'Thug Rose' was a slight underdog for the fight, with the winner almost certain of receiving a title fight next time out.
A huge head kick midway through the opening round turned things Namajunas' way, and a minute later she had her hand raised after locking up a slick rear-naked-choke to force her compatriot to tap out.
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