Image source, Getty Images

Here's a brief recap of tonight's events as we bring our coverage to a close.

Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the octacgon ended in defeat as he had no answer to a flurry of punches from Dustin Poirier.

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You can also click here to listen back to the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary as Poirier avenged his defeat at the hands of his opponent seven years earlier.

Afterwards, the 32-year-old American claimed he was now the "champion of the lightweight division", while McGregor said he is "heartbroken" at the defeat, but wants to keep on fighting.

In the co-main event, American Michael Chandler was impressive on his UFC debut as he beat New Zealand's Dan Hooker in the first round.

And Scotland's Joanna Calderwood earned a unanimous decision victory over American Jessica Eye on the undercard.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Here's some quotes from Dustin Poirier's post-fight press conference.

“This win is right up there. This is a big one. But I want to put my hand on the undisputed title when it’s all said and done," said Poirier.

“Tonight is one of the best I’ve ever felt. I was emotionless, I was an assassin, and I was here to execute. It feels good.”

“A rematch with Conor interests me. I’ve always wanted to [fight] Nate Diaz. That interests me. I’m sure something will make sense but right now I don’t know.”

Conor McGregor has just been speaking in the post-fight press conference.

“It’s heartbreaking, it's hard to take. The highest highs and the lowest lows in this game,” he said.

“My leg is completely dead, and even though I felt like I was checking them [Poirier’s leg kicks] it was just sinking into the muscle at the front of my leg.”

“Dustin fought a hell of a fight. I thought I was better than him in the clinch, but too little too late.”

“My leg was compromised and I didn’t adjust and that’s it, fair play to Dustin.”

“I’m very happen for him and very happy I got to come back and compete in my 11th UFC main event.”

“I don’t know where I’m at the minute to be honest.”

Image source, UFC

That win for Dustin Poirier surely earns him another shot at the lightweight title in his next fight, but who against?

As it stands, Khabib Nurmagomedov is still the champion despite retiring, and has not confirmed whether he will return or not.

Other names in the frame are Michael Chandler, who earned an impressive win tonight over Dan Hooker on his UFC debut, and Charles Oliveira, who is third in the rankings.

As for Conor McGregor, where does he go from here?

A trilogy fight with Nate Diaz? A boxing bout with Manny Pacquiao?

Let us know what you think via #bbcufc

Danny Roberts
British UFC welterweight fighter on BBC Radio 5 live

"He’s not an old dog, he's definitely ready to keep going."

"Going around doing other things is not what Conor needs. He's young, fit and still ready to go."

“He’ll 100% be back.”

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Nick Peet
MMA journalist in Abu Dhabi on BBC Radio 5 Live

Dustin Poirier got rid of a few demons in there. He overcame the barrage of shots from Conor McGregor and then he stepped forward and got the finish.

Danny Roberts
British UFC welterweight fighter on BBC Radio 5 live

It was Dustin's time, his moment. All that emphasis, he fully believed in his head and he's walked away with the victory.

That was the first KO/TKO of Conor McGregor's MMA career, according to ESPN journalist Ariel Helwani.

The Diamond brought the hot sauce tonight.

Nick Peet
MMA journalist in Abu Dhabi on BBC Radio 5 Live

“Poirier has got to be the number one in the division, he’s got TKO wins over Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor - he will be more hungry than anybody to run that fight back with Khabib."

"He had to go away after the defeat by Khabib last time and he realised there’s a whole new level to this sport.

“He’s in the right mind frame, he’s the number one in the division and I’m so excited for what comes for him next."

"His leg kicks were good, my leg was dead and I wasn't as comfortable as I needed to be," says the beaten Conor McGregor in his post-fight interview.

"I have to dust it off and come back and that's what I'll do.

"I'm gutted, it's a tough one to swallow, I just want to go back to the hotel and chill with my kids and regroup."

Image source, UFC

"I think this was a title fight - I'm the champion now," says Dustin Poirier in the post-fight interview.

He goes on to say he's the best boxer in the UFC, referring to his two victories over Max Holloway.

It's hard to disagree after that performance.

Danny Roberts
British UFC welterweight fighter on BBC Radio 5 live

McGregor has a sense of being able to dictate the fight and he was up, but Dustin put him away.

I don't think the motivational purpose changes, although the meal ticket is not as big now for McGregor.

McGregor is all smiles following the fight and there's a nice show of respect between the two fighters.

Poirier has his revenge seven years after defeat to McGregor.

An incredible performance from the Diamond.