Image source, Reuters

Britain's Michael Bisping made his first successful defence of the UFC middleweight title in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday morning.

In a thrilling encounter, Bisping recovered from being knocked down in the opening round to win a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.

It means Bisping avenges his defeat to American Henderson at UFC 100 and also becomes UFC's holder of the most victories.

The fight sold out in six minutes, despite it not starting until 04:45 local time to tie in with a large American television audience.

Following the fight, Henderson retired - as he stated he would before the bout - while Bisping lavished praise on his opponent and called out some of his other rivals in the division.

There were wins for Mousasi, Manuwa and Struve on the undercard.

Full quotes and reaction, in chronological order, below.

I'm off shortly, but let me leave you with a short report in case you're just joining us...

What. A. Night.

Dan Henderson, who ends his career with a 32-15 record: "That's the last time anyone will see me fight live. I appreciate all the support I've had throughout the years. I've given my heart and soul to this sport. The fans made it worthwhile for me to keep competing year after year. I love the sport. I came up short tonight... but I'm not bad for an old men, eh? I just wish the judge had called it on the way we both looked after the fight."

Michael Bisping, who has successfully defended his world title: "First of all give it up for Dan Henderson. At his age, he just kicked my arse. All the trash talk, you have to respect he is a legend. 

"I'd just like to thank the fans. All the support you gave me, it melts my heart. I'm not being cheesy, thanks from the bottom of my heart. 

"I know people spoke and said he's not the number one contender but this guy knocked me out cold. Look at my face."

To his potential rivals, he added: "All of you get off the couch, win a fight and let's go."

Jagroop Shinbt
BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

AND STILL!!

Bruce Buffer just blew the roof off the Manchester Arena as he announces Bisping as the UFC middleweight world champion once again.

A terrific performance by Dan Hendo also and a fitting end to a glamorous MMA career.

Michael Bisping's left eye is the size of a watermelon, with a gash running through it like the M6.

"You were amazing," Bisping tells Henderson who congratulates his opponent.

The winner by unanimous decision is Michael Bisping.

The crowd erupts. Henderson cannot believe it.

We have indeed gone the distance. Who's won it? We await the judges' decision.

Bisping's toes tickle Henderson's eyebrows before the American fails with a takedown. We're heading to the judges here.

Henderson takes down Bisping, who manages to clamber to his feet. The crowd roars. One minute left.

Into the final two minutes now. Both men still standing. Incredible, gripping drama.

These two are hunting each other down like the grizzled veterans they are. It's like a game of chess, drizzled with claret.

Jagroop Shinbt
BBC Sport at the Manchester Arena

One round left and one more chance for Bisping reclaim his place as the world champion.

The crowd are still in favour of Bisping but if this fight has proved anything so far, it is that anything can happen.

Image source, Reuters

One final round. Who wants it?

Bisping sways out of the way of a Henderson right hook in the manner of a batsman avoiding a bouncer. A fascinating clash of styles here.

Bisping gees up the crowd, hinting that Henderson might be overstating his pain in the unmentionables.

The referee warns Michael Bisping for another kick to the groin. He says points will be deducted if it happens again. Henderson takes his time to catch his breath.