A key heavyweight rematch between perennial division contenders Curtis Blaydes and Francis Ngannou headlined tonight’s UFC Beijing event.

Curtis Blaydes enters tonight’s UFC Beijing main event on a five-fight win streak, his latest being a third-round TKO victory over Alistair Overeem at UFC 225.

Blaydes most recent setback came at the hands of Francis Ngannou, who defeated Curtis via second-round TKO (doctors stoppage) in April of 2016.

Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou enters tonight’s contest having lost his last two bouts. In his most recent outing at UFC 226, “The Predator” was outpointed by Derrick Lewis in what could politely be described as an uneventful contest.

Prior to the setbacks, Francis Ngannou had put together an impressive ten-fight win streak, which included knockout wins over Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski.

Round one of the UFC Beijing main event begins and Francis Ngannou lands a big low kick to start. Blaydes steps forward and throws a combination. He shoots in for a takedown but Ngannou denies the attempt. Francis Ngannou lands a massive right hand over the top that sends Blaydes crashing face first into the canvas. Curtis gets back up but Ngannou sends him right back down with punches. A couple of ground strikes and this one is all over! Francis Ngannou is back!

https://twitter.com/MMATeamDagestan/status/1066319517003988992

Wow!!! @Francis_Ngannou puts Curtis Blaydes away early at #UFCBeijing!! pic.twitter.com/VfndLlSXzA

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 24, 2018

Official UFC Beijing Result: Francis Ngannou def. Curtis Blaydes via TKO in Round 1