Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated interim champion Dustin Poirier in their UFC 242 title unification bout in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.
The lightweight world champion won by submission in the third round to take his record to 28 and 0.
Thirty-year-old Numagomedov also defeated Conor McGregor via submission at UFC 229 last year.
Meanwhile, Paul "The Irish Dragon" Felder won a split-decision against old rival Edson Barboza.
More than 5,500 mixed martial arts fans had descended on The Arena in the UAE's capital for the spectacle.
The bouts were the main event in the week-long Abu Dhabi Showdown Week entertainment festival.


Iran wait on World Cup progress after draw with Egypt
Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to advance to World Cup knockout stage
Baena strike sends Spain past Uruguay into World Cup knockouts
Jubilant Cape Verde set date with Argentina in World Cup round of 32
Senegal ring up 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq, keep knockout hopes alive
