“I came in here and I put my blood sweat and tears into this,” Figueiredo said post-fight, after revealing he’d been taken to hospital with a stomach problem in the lead-up to the fight.

The 32-year-old Figueiredo (20-1-1) had taken a one-point deduction for a low blow in the fourth, a point that might have secured him a decision in the end. But he was not going to cry, knowing full well that his 27-year-old opponent (18-5-2) had pushed him to the limit.

“The referee did his job,” said Figueiredo. “I threw an eye poke in there that was an accident. I threw that low kick that was an accident. He did his job. I was able to go in there and put on a good fight.

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“If they want to put him ahead of me for the next fight I am open for that. I made weight in 20 days. Maybe with a full camp I will be able to neutralise his game.”

A rematch is quite obviously a must and Moreno was keen, immediately, to talk about another title shot come 2021. He had promised a war, and duly delivered, delivering and taking punishment that had the UFC’s commentary team gasping for breath.

“I know the fight was very, very close,” said Moreno.

The first round was furious, with exchanges coming at a constant click as the pair came out swinging. Figueiredo looked keen to end things as early as possible which was a given considering he was backing up after defending his title just three weeks ago – a UFC record in terms of turnaround times. There was a series of big rights thrown by the champ as he looked for a knockout but Moreno was there and ducking and taking anything thrown his way.

The Mexican came out swinging in the second, missing with a wild right after finding a left that pierced Figueiredo’s defence and landed deep in his side. But he wore an eye poke that stopped his momentum after he’d assumed some sort of control on the ground. They stood – toe to toe – and Figueiredo seemed to be waiting for the one clean blow that would bring his man down. He got one in, that did enough damage to worry the Mexican’s crew at the break.

Figueiredo came out wild in the third, a huge body shot somehow being absorbed by Moreno with no visible discomfort. But there was plenty of just that when Figueiredo’s left foot went direct to Moreno’s groin and brought the Mexican straight to his knees.

Daniel Cormier’s voice was raised an octave in the commentary booth simply through sympathy and Figueiredo was docked a point for the indiscretion.

Moreno – incredibly – shook his head, and on he went. He landed a huge left hook near the bell

To the fourth – and as deep as Figueiredo had ever been in a fight before – and there were lefts and right and a high kick from Moreno that set the champ up for a takedown. Figueiredo seemed to take a rest, when down and once again we had these two warriors swinging at will when they took to their feet.

At times they each looked done. But then they’d just stand and trade. And anyone watching continued to wonder how they were able to keep the pace and the punishment up.

We entered the fifth, with the fight still anyone’s, and it soon became apparent that Moreno had taken serious damage to his left arm or shoulder, likely from blocking Figueiredo kicks. Didn’t stop him, of course. Nothing could but the bell.

“I feel so happy,” said Moreno. “I know I won the belt but it is what it is. We need the rematch.”