The UFC 204 co-main event featured two middleweights who'd both beaten Dan Henderson a combined 3 times over the past 3 years, as Vitor Belfort squared off against Gegard Mousasi. For Belfort, he came into this fight on the heels of a woeful performance against Jacare Souza, while Mousasi had finished Thiago Santos at UFC 200. Mousasi had wanted this fight for quite some time, and tonight in Manchester was his chance to make it three straight wins for the first time in his UFC career. Heading into this one, there were reports that this would be Belfort's final fight, and he would announce his retirement.
Early leg kick by Mousasi. And another one. Two left hands by Vitor tagged Mousasi, but then Mousasi did the finger-wag after Vitor tried to do a vintage swarm. Sharp right hand by Gegard. Takedown attempt by Mousasi is stuffed and Vitor landed a knee to the body on the exit. Gegard went downstairs and then upstairs with kicks. Blocked head kick attempt from Vitor. Mousasi pumped out the jab then dug in a nice kick to the body. Quick flurry by Vitor and he landed a left. Two quick punches by Gegard jarred Vitor's head back and they clinched up in the final minute of the round. Mousasi had a late takedown but the round ended before he could complete it.
Crisp jabbing by Mousasi to start the 2nd round. Belfort with a body kick but it was caught and he was stung with a Mousasi straight right. Mousasi entered for a takedown but Vitor thwarted it. Another two jabs by Mousasi. Flush head kick by Mousasi and a big right hand badly rocked Vitor. Mousasi moved in with a swarm of punches. Mousasi took Vitor down and had him in big trouble. Massive ground-and-pound from full mount by Gegard. He went for the back but couldn't get it, and Vitor couldn't escape. Ground-and-pound from full mount again with Vitor not responding, and Marc Goddard had no choice but to stop it. A TKO win for Gegard Mousasi.
Official results: Gegard Mousasi def. Vitor Belfort via TKO (strikes) at 2:43 of round 2