Nick Diaz's return to the cage ended in a stoppage win to Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 in Las Vegas.
The 38-year-old MMA icon was fighting for the first time in six years and looked to have lost none of his trademark willingness to trade in the opening rounds.
Former weltwerweight champ Lawler, 39, came out aggressively and pressed Diaz against the cage.
Diaz found some success with his combinations as both men fought at a breakneck pace.
Lawler appeared to hurt Diaz with a kick to the body in the second round, seeing the former WEC and Strikeforce champion look to put some distance between him and his opponent.
The pace continued to remain high into the third when it finally caught up with Diaz, going down after a check-hook from Lawler.
Diaz then invited Lawler to a grappling exchange but was told to get to his feet.
Referee Jason Herzog asked Diaz if he wanted to continue but a very un-Diaz-like shake of the head signalled the end of the bout.
More to come.