UFC 136 Results: 10 Reasons Why This Was the Greatest PPV of 2011

On Saturday night, the UFC had one of its best PPV's, not only this year, but in the entire history of the UFC.

This card was stacked from top to bottom, and every single fight delivered.

From the Facebook fights, to the fights on Spike TV, all the way through to the main event, this card was absolutely action packed.

Check out 10 reasons why this was the greatest PPV of 2011.

Entertaining Facebook Fights

The first fight of the night featured Mike Massenzio facing off against former WEC light heavyweight champion Steve Cantwell, and these two put on an all out brawl.

The second fight saw Aaron Simpson completely beat down Eric Schafer, in what could arguably have all been 10-8 rounds.

The third fight saw Tiequan Zhang face off against Darren Elkins. Zhang nearly submitted Elkins several times, but Elkins pushed through the guillotine attempts and out-grappled Zhang.

Then, the final Facebook fight featured a heavyweight matchup with Joey Beltran, and UFC newcome Stipe Miocic. Miocic went on to win a unanimous decision in a great fight.

The Facebook fights set the tone for the evening.

Anthony Pettis Gets His First UFC Win

Anthony Pettis came out and took his first step back towards his No. 1 contender position when he won a split decision over Jeremy Stephens.

Many were hoping that this would be Pettis' true debut in the UFC, and that he would have some highlight reel knockout.

That didn't happen, although Pettis did have one really cool kick, but a win is a win.

Pettis proved that he can hang in the UFC, and a matchup with a top lightweight is likely in the cards.

Joe Lauzon Derails the Melvin Guillard Hype Train

Joe Lauzon was a 3-1 underdog in his fight against Melvin Guillard, and he was able to win in a mere 47 seconds.

Wow.

Lauzon rocked Guillard on the feet, and then locked in a rear-naked choke, earning submission of the night honors in the process.

Guillard was likely one or two wins away from a title shot, and Lauzon has now stolen that hype, and thrown his name in the mix at lightweight.

Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan Put in ANOTHER One for the Ages

Leonard Garcia and Nam Phan first met at The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale, and Phan lost a split decision, won fight of the night, and the robbery of the year award.

These two were destined to meet again, and they delivered even more fireworks than they did in the first fight.

This time, Phan won a unanimous decision (29-28 on all scorecards) and again earned fight of the night.

These two have each earned an extra $105,000 ($30,000 at the TUF 12 Finale, $75,000 at UFC 136) for their fights, but because these fights were so good, it's the Phans who truly win.

See what I did there?

Chael Sonnen Returns in Resounding Fashion

Chael Sonnen made his long awaited return to the Octagon, and after a 14 month layoff, he looked as if he hadn't missed a beat.

Sonnen controlled and smothered Stann all through the first, and in the second, until a submission presented itself and Sonnen capitalized.

Sonnen got Stann to submit to an arm triangle, and went on to have one of the most memorable post fight press conferences ever...

Chael Sonnen's Post Fight Comments

Chael Sonnen had one of, if not the, most memorable press conferences in MMA history, when he called out Anderson Silva after Sonnen's win over Brian Stann.

Sonnen said "Anderson Silva - you absolutely suck. I'm calling you out, Silva, but we're upping the stakes. I beat you, you leave the division. You beat me, I'll leave the UFC forever."

That was one of the most memorable parts of the evening, and won't soon be forgotten by anyone.

Jose Aldo Defends His Title Again

Jose Aldo was able to defend his featherweight title against former longtime lightweight contender, Kenny Florian.

Aldo hasn't been wrecking people left and right as he was in the WEC, but he was still able to win four rounds and beat Florian decisively.

It wasn't a highlight reel knockout as many expected, but it was an impressive performance nonetheless.

Gray Maynard Nearly Beats Frankie Edgar in the First Round... Again

Who would have thought that this would happen again?

Maynard hurt, rocked, and beat down Edgar and the fight could arguably have been stopped.

Unfortunately, Maynard was unable to land a flush shot to truly put Edgar away, and...

Frankie Edgar Shows the True Heart of a Champion... Again

After getting hurt and beat down by Maynard again, Edgar was able to survive the round, and then, just like in their second fight, arguably win the second round.

Edgar showed an incredible amount of heart, like Clay Guida level of heart, and push through the brutal first round again.

Then, later on, Edgar did what Maynard couldn't.

Frankie Edgar Ends the Trilogy with Gray Maynard with a Bang

Frankie Edgar did what Gray Maynard couldn't, and he finished a rocked opponent.

In the fourth round, one of the 10 latest finishes in UFC history, Edgar finished Maynard, and won via TKO.

The first fight was a unanimous decision loss for Edgar.

The second fight was a split draw.

There was no doubt in the third fight, as Frankie Edgar ended one of the most legendary trilogies in MMA history with a bang.

Tim McTiernan is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. For the latest news on everything MMA, follow me on twitter @tmt2393.