Jiri Prochazka delivered one of the greatest escapes in UFC history, plucking victory from the jaws of defeat with 30 seconds left of an epic battle with Glover Teixeira.
The new champion became the first Czech fighter to have the belt wrapped around his waist following a legendary encounter that will go down in MMA history.
It seemed as though the light-heavyweights could not be separated as the clock ticked down after 24 minutes and 30 seconds of relentless, compelling action.
But there was a final twist as Prochazka summoned energy some somewhere deep inside to reverse the position on the ground and submit one of the UFC’s most dangerous jiu-jitsu practicioners.
Jiri Prochazka (top) shocked Glover Teixeira with just 30 seconds left on the clock to win the title in Singapore
The new champion is the first from the Czech Republic and will be a massive star back in his homeland
It was emotional for Prochazka and his team, who congratulated him inside the octagon in Singapore on Saturday night
Teixeira and Prochazka both had moments where they looked like they would win before the end came late on
Teixeira was ahead on the scorecards having edged a seesaw encounter fought at a breathless pace that tested the limit of the 42-year-old Brazilian and his European challenger.
Teixeira took Prochazka down twice in the opening round and ended up in mount on the second occasion. He landed some heavy ground and pound but then slid off his opponent’s back to allow the Czech time to get back to his feet.
The challenger than connected with some brutal strikes of his own to end it with a flourish.
In the second, Prochazka started having it all his own way on the feet and Teixeira looked close to being out of it but then the challenger made a clumsy mistake and ended up on the ground. The veteran ended the round in mount and opened up a massive cut above the eye.
Teixeira still has plenty of fight in him and he said he is not retiring despite losing the belt aged 42
The Brazilian had Prochazka in all kinds of trouble but the favourite managed to find his way out
Teixeira could not escape the final submission and ended up tapping out quickly to stun the crowd
Teixeira looked on the brink of defeat but escaped a submission to reverse position and ended the round on top, landing thunderous ground and pound.
The fourth was carnage from start to finish. There were reversals, submission attempts, escapes and heavy artillery launched by both men. It headed to a fifth and Teixeira connected with some unbelievable strikes, prompting Marc Goddard to have a close look.
Teixeira was desperate to bring the fight to the canvas whenever he shook Prochazka on the feet but it proved to be a fatal error, with the challenger managing to reverse position as the clock ticked down.
He locked in a choke and it did not take long for Teixeira to tap out. He was running on fumes and looked devastated in the aftermath.
Jan Blachowicz seems the obvious next contender but Prochazka will need an extended period of time off after one of the most gruelling and damaging fights of his career.
It was an epic end to the night punctuated by memorable moments, particularly on the main card.
Heavy body shots from Prochazka added up and the cardio of both men was severely tested in a five-rounder
The new champion showed how creative and unpredictable he can be on the feet as well as exhibiting his chin
Teixeira was denied submissions and the sweat played a part, making it difficult for him to lock one in
Valentina Shevchenko was pushed to her limit by Taila Santos in one of her most difficult fights. ‘The Bullet’ clung onto her flyweight title on the scorecards but found herself outmatched on the ground on more than one occasion.
In the highly-anticipated rematch between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Zhang Weili, there was a similarly enthralling scrap to their Fight of the Year in 2020.
But then the Chinese star delivered a moment of genius, connecting with a spinning backfist to knock out the Polish former champion.
For the 35-year-old, it was her last appearance in the octagon and she was overcome with emotion in announcing her retirement from MMA.
She said: ‘I am proud of myself, I trained really hard every day but during the media I said I was proud. I got caught with a good one, I didn’t expect her to be that tough and strong.
Valentina Shevchenko clung onto her title in a narrow victory over Taila Santos on the scorecards
Zhang Weili of China knocks out Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland with a spinning back fist in their main card fight
The Polish fighter was thrown to the canvas and Weili knew the job was done so walked away
Weili will now have a title shot against Carla Esparza having come through against Jedrzejczyk again
‘Thanks to my coaches and fans and training partners. I love life so much, I have retired guys, thank you so much. Dana I am sorry I let you down man.
‘I want to give big credit to UFC employees, I love you guys. It has been 20 years, I want to be a mum, a businesswoman, I’ve trained two decades, half my life.’
The Polish star will surely be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame having dominated the division for years and raised the level of competition in the strawweight division.
UFC 275 was not the most glamourous or high-profile numbered event for Dana White and Co but those watching inside Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang were given some incredible moments.
Prochazka’s victory will live long in the memory, as will the incredible 24 minutes and 30 seconds preceding it.
Prochazka will now become a huge star and his success is no doubt headline news in his native Czech Republic