UFC 136 Results: 3 Best Fights from Saturday Night

UFC 136 was an incredibly successful night for mixed martial arts, where some of the sport’s finest athletes were on display in various fights.

The night featured virtually every type of fight—quick choke-outs, thrilling brawls that went the distance and an amazing comeback victory in the evening’s main event.

Here are the three best fights from last night’s action.

Nam Phan vs. Leonard Garcia

 Nam Phan avenged his loss to Garcia last year in the night’s most exciting fight.

Both fighters were on their feet for the majority of the fight, exchanging blows like backyard brawlers. Amazingly, this slugfest—which featured both men getting knocked down at some point—went the distance and fight fans everywhere are better for it.

These two guys are so evenly matched and clearly relished in the spirit of competition throughout the fight. Even in MMA, perhaps the angriest sport we have, these guys were smiling, chatting, and tapping gloves throughout the fight, showing mutual respect for their counterparts.

Phan eventually won by unanimous decision, but Garcia should be very proud of his effort.

Dana White, please make Phan vs. Garcia III happen soon.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard

 The night’s main event didn’t disappoint, as Edgar knocked out Maynard in thrilling comeback fashion.

Maynard dominated the early rounds and looked as if he was going to beat Edgar for the second time.

However, Edgar rallied to retain his title by unleashing a series of devastating hits in the fourth round.

First, Edgar stunned Maynard with a brutal uppercut. Seeing that Maynard had been rocked, Edgar pounced, letting loose with another uppercut and a right hook that forced the referee to stop the fight.

Maynard will obviously be upset with himself that he let this fight get away, but you have to give Edgar some major props. It’s not easy to win any fight, especially if you’ve been getting your ass kicked for the majority of it.

Edgar proved his heart last night and showed once again why he is the best fighter in the lightweight division.

Aaron Simpson vs. Eric Shafer

 In a matchup of somewhat unheralded fighters, Aaron Simpson beat Shafer by unanimous decision.

The 37-year-old Simpson, a former assistant wrestling coach at Arizona State University, dominated throughout without needing his renowned ground game.

Simpson improved to 11-2 in what was perhaps the night’s most impressive performance.