There truly is just something special about Madison Square Garden in New York City. The world's most famous arena has played host to some of the most epic events of all time, and Saturday was just the latest chapter in that historic story. UFC 281 gave fights fans all they could ask for with dramatic swings in momentum, thunderous knockouts and slick submissions.
The main event saw a new champion rise as Alex Pereira stunned Israel Adesanya late to earn the middleweight crown. Adesanya was in control of the bout over four rounds, including a late shot at the end of the first that appeared to have the challenger out on his feet. Needing a finish to earn the victory, Pereira delivered just that in the waning moments.
Elsewhere on the card, Zhang Weili regained her crown as women's strawweight champion with a second-round submission of Carla Esparza. Weili dominated the grappling exchanges before locking up the rear-naked choke. Weili, Esparza and Rose Namajunas have now traded the belt among themselves in the last three fights.
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And Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler delivered an action-classic before Poirier secured the late submission.
CBS Sports was with you throughout fight week with the latest news, in-depth features and betting advice to consider. Thanks for stopping by and we'll see you at UFC 282 in Las Vegas in December.
UFC 281 fight card, odds
- Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya (c) via fifth-round TKO (punches)
- Weili Zhang def. Carla Esparza (c) via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)
- Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler via third-round submission (rear-naked choke)
- Chris Gutierrez def. Frankie Edgar via first-round knockout (knee)
- Dan Hooker def. Claudio Puelles via second-round knockout (body kick)
- Renato Moicano def. Brad Riddell via first-round submission (rear naked choke)
- Ryan Spann def. Dominick Reyes via first-round knockout (punch)
- Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann via first-round submission (kimura)
- Andre Petroski def. Wellington Turman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Matt Frevola def. Ottman Azaitar via first-round knockout (punch)
- Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Michael Trizano def. Choi Seung-woo via first-round TKO (punches)
- Montel Jackson def. Julio Arce via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Carlos Ulberg def. Nicolae Negumereanu via first-round TKO (punches)
UFC 281 countdown, recap
- Campbell: The Magic of Madison Square Garden returns among top takeaways
- Mahjouri: Top fights to make for the stars of UFC 281
- Staff predictions and expert picks for the main card
- Morning Kombat: Adesanya says he 'cleared the way' for Pereira
- Campbell: Poirier, Chandler battle with one last shot at gold on the line
- Brookhouse: Best bets to consider on the main card
- Mahjouri: How Edgar inspired many over his legendary career
- Brookhouse: Three keys to victory for Pereira against Adesanya
- Mahjouri: Undercard fights to watch in New York City
- Campbell: Five biggest storylines to follow this week
