Travis Browne proved he is a contender in the UFC heavyweight division as he stopped former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem in the first round by knockout.
Overeem rocked Browne early in the fight by landing knees to the body that dropped him and he went for the finish on the ground. Overeem threw multiple punches on the ground but referee Mario Yamasaki did not stop the fight and Browne was able to scramble out of the position.
After surviving the flurry, Overeem appeared to be slowing down and Browne began to land several kicks. As the final minute of the round was approaching, Browne landed a front kick that dropped Overeem and finished the fight on the ground with two punches.
Browne (15-1-1) has now won five of his last six fights and his last two wins have come by knockout in the first round. Overeem (36-13-1, 1NC) has now dropped back to back fights in the UFC after being one win away from a title shot.
UFC Fight Night 26 Results:
Travis Browne def. Alistair Overeem via KO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:08
Urijah Faber def. Iuri Alcantara via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Matt Brown def. Mike Pyle via KO (strikes) – Round 1, :29
John Howard def. Uriah Hall via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Michael Johnson def. Joe Lauzon via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)
Michael McDonald def. Brad Pickett via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 3:43
Conor McGregor def. Max Holloway via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Steven Siler def. Mike Brown via KO (strikes) – Round 1, :50
Diego Brandao def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Manny Gamburyan def. Cole Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Ovince St-Preux def. Cody Donovan via KO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:07
James Vick def. Ramsey Nijem via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, :58