The UFC returned to ESPN and Glover Teixeira made sure everyone in the light heavyweight division remembers his name.
Teixeira survived multiple offensive attacks by Thiago Santos before finishing him in the third round of a thrilling back-and-forth main event. The card took place from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Santos connected twice and nearly had Teixeira finished with strikes, but the veteran used all of his skills to survive. He locked up the finish with a choke in the third.
In the co-main event, Andrei Arlovski bested Tanner Boser via decision, sweeping all three scorecards.
Raoni Barcelos downed Khalid Taha, Giga Chikadze finished Jamey Simmons and Yan Xiaonan topped Claudia Gadelha.
On the prelims, Trevin Giles, Alexandr Romanov, Darren Elkins, Max Griffin and Gustavo Lopez were all winners.
UFC Vegas 13: Santos Vs. Teixeira Results
Glover Teixeira def. Thiago Santos via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:49 of Round 3
Andrei Arlovski def. Tanner Boser via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Raoni Barcelos def. Khalid Taha via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Giga Chikadze def. Jamey Simmons via TKO (strikes) at 3:51 of Round 1
Yan Xiaonan def. Claudia Gadelha via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Trevin Giles def. Bevon Lewis via TKO (strikes) at 1:26 of Round 3
Alexandr Romanov def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima via technical submission (forearm choke) at 4:48 of Round 1
Darren Elkins def. Luiz Eduardo Garagorri via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:22 of Round 3
Max Griffin def. Ramiz Brahimaj via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 2:03 of Round 3
Gustavo Lopez def. Anthony Birchak via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:43 of Round 1