A huge knockout dealt by Brazilian Juscelino Ferreira to Syria's Tarek Suleiman put an end to the main draw in the 10-fight card of the UAE Warriors 11.
It was held behind closed doors in Zayed Sports City and telecast live on 27 TV channels to more than one billion fans across the world.
The two champs met in the catchweight 90kg category.
Ahead of the encounter, Suleiman was undefeated in two UAE Warriors appearances. He stopped UFC veteran Englishman Oli Thompson in the second round of the light heavyweight title fight in May 2019 and scored a similar victory over Steven Kennedy of Australia in November.
Mixed Martial Arts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with a growing popularity in Abu Dhabi.
Eight teams qualify for Dubai Games finals
Shaidorov shocks rivals to capture gold as 'Quad God' Malinin crumbles
Sabalenka, Swiatek withdraw from Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
USA crush Netherlands to get on board at T20 World Cup
