Alistair Overeem maintained his standing in the UFC’s heavyweight division Saturday night.
The former title contender finished Augusto Sakai moments into the fifth and final round of their main event at UFC Vegas 9. The event aired live on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Overeem was able to connect with elbows and strikes, earning the stoppage win at the 26-second mark of the last round.
Several bouts were hit with the cancellation bug, leaving just seven fights to take place.
Ovince Saint Preux finished Alonzo Menifield in the second round in the co-main event. Michel Pereira, Andre Muniz, Brian Kelleher, Viviane Araujo and Hunter Azure were also winners.
Saint Preux, Pereira, Muniz and Kelleher picked up Performance of the Night bonuses.
UFC Vegas 9 Results
Alistair Overeem def. Augusto Sakai via TKO (strikes) at :26 of Round 5
Ovince Saint Preux def. Alonzo Menifield via KO (strike) at 4:07 of Round 2
Michel Pereira def. Zelim Imadaev via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:39 of Round 3
Andre Muniz def. Bartosz Fabinski via submission (armbar) at 2:42 of Round 1
Brian Kelleher def. Ray Rodriguez via submission (guillotine choke) at :39 of Round 1
Viviane Araujo def. Montana De La Rosa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Hunter Azure def. Cole Smith via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)