Francis Ngannou defended his UFC heavyweight title in the most unexpected way, dominating opponent Ciryl Gane on the ground through the final three rounds of their five round main event Saturday night in Anaheim, Calif. to win a unanimous decision. Gane started well using quick footwork to avoid the champion mixing sharp jabs and low kicks to keep the hard hitting Ngannou off balance. When they got close, he tied Ngannou up in clinches that neutralized the champion's massive knockout power.

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Ngannou looked less explosive than usual and later claimed he suffered a knee injury in training. But he changed tactics in the third catching a Gane kick and slamming him to the mat, then controlling him down there. He used the same strategy to take the fourth round but Gane went for the takedown in the fifth. Though he got it, Ngannou reversed him, survived a heel hook attempt, then rode him out to earn the decision. Ngannou's on the last fight of his UFC contract and it's unclear if he'll resign with the company as he's expressed an interest in boxing.

The co-main event saw Deiveson Figueiredo regain the flyweight crown via a close decision over Brandon Moreno.