Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira had Madison Square Garden on its feet after a wild fifth and final round.
Oliveira dominated Chandler for the first four rounds but ‘Iron Mike’ came back firing down the home stretch.
After surviving numerous submission attempts from Oliveira, Chandler summoned up the strength to rock the Brazilian with a furious barrage.
But as Oliveira backed up against the cage, Chandler got greedy with his work and threw a wild left hook that sailed past his opponent and caused him to crash to the canvas.
Sensing his moment, Oliveira attempted to scramble but Chandler ended up on top.
From there, the American MMA star rained down hammer fists and elbows before welcoming Oliveira back to his feet.
After weathering another storm, Oliveira managed to plant Chandler on the canvas again and took his back.
But Chandler, showing immense heart and strength, picked up Oliveira and slammed him twice en route to the final buzzer.
In the end, his spirited surge wasn’t enough to win him the fight, with Oliveira being handed the unanimous decision.
All three judges’ scorecards read 49-46, 49-45 and 49-45 in ‘Da Bronx’s’ favour.
But Chandler earned plenty of plaudits from the fans for his gutsy display and used that momentum to call out Conor McGregor.
“Joe, all I know how to do is throw American badass caution to the wind,” he said post-fight.
“Madison Square Garden, are you not entertained?
“I had a bunch of callouts, I was supposed to show up tonight, do my job and win the fight.
“Forget calling out Islam, Charles is doing that next. Maybe Max Holoway for the BMF belt.
“Or Conor McGregor if you can ever get your house back in order while us real professionals have been keeping the Octagon warm.
“We are wondering where you have been Conor. Come back and beat me, if you can?”
McGregor and Chandler were supposed to square off in June.
However, their fight was cancelled after McGregor suffered a broken toe in sparring.
Chandler had been waiting almost two years for the fight and so moved on to rematch Oliveira at UFC 309 while McGregor remains out of action.
