UFC 204 results: Michael Bisping defends title against Dan Henderson

Michael Bisping’s first defence of his UFC middleweight crown ended in victory in Manchester at the expense of Dan Henderson following a unanimous decision from the judges.

Victory means the 37-year-old Brit has now won more fights (20) than any other person in the promotion's history.

After the fight, Bisping spoke of his admiration for the 46-year-old Henderson, the man who memorably knocked him out in 2009, and who is now retiring from the sport.

"Big respect to Dan Henderson. He's a legend of the sport and I want to say well done to him," Bisping told the press after the fight after his opponent came agonisingly close to capturing an elusive title.

"It's amazing what he's achieved in this sport and to be able to fight at this level and bring it like that at his age, I just have massive respect for him.

"Of course, Dan Henderson hits hard and he opened up a couple of big cuts on my face. But I feel completely fine, I remember everything about the fight.

"The crowd were amazing. I could hear the energy from the fans throughout the entire event. I want to thank them all for showing so much energy, it was incredible. I felt that."

Bisping was given a huge scare in the first two rounds, but dug deep to earn the 48-47 48-47 49-46 decision in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The rivalry between Bisping and Henderson stems back to Ultimate Fighter season nine when they coached Team UK and Team US respectively culminating in a fight in Las Vegas at UFC 100.

But after closing that chapter of his career, Bisping added: "Now I look forward to the next one.

"I've still got the belt, I'm still the champion and I'm very happy. It was close but it's never easy. If it was easy, everybody would do it.

“Until the next time. God bless England."

Henderson, meanwhile, said he felt he performed well and reflected on his long career.

"It's just unfortunate that the judges didn't see it my way.

“Overall, I'm very satisfied with what I have achieved in my career. I know I have accomplished a lot."