Tyron Woodley was crowned new UFC welterweight champion after knocking out Robbie Lawler in the first round at UFC 201 on Saturday.
The former All-American wrestler (15-3) stopped Lawler (27-11) with 2:12 left in the opening round at the Philips Arena, initially sending Lawler to the canvas after connecting with a devastating right following an effective fake.
Woodley quickly pounced on Lawler, who was making the fourth defence of his title, and landed with several strikes while his opponent was on the mat before referee Dan Miragliotta called time on the bout.
"I was in the back, I was relaxed, I was nervous that I wasn't nervous," Woodley said. "I knew what Robbie brings to the table.
"This was not the fight I would have picked because Robbie is my teammate, but I've been picturing myself with the belt around my waist and I made it happen."
However, Woodley, who won the first major MMA title of his career by claiming victory in Atlanta, refused to revel in his triumph against his American Top Team team-mate.
"We knew Robbie would be well prepared for a takedown," Woddley added.
"So I used a little speed and a blitz and I closed the distance, something told me the right hand would be there.
"I don't want to feel amazing about knocking out Robbie Lawler but he had the belt and that's what I wanted."