Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida Highlights

Diego Sanchez may have won the main event but it was the nearly 2,000 or so fans in the Pearl Theater at the Palms who were the real winners, seeing several back-and-forth battles — including one epic bloody main event that inexplicably went the distance.

"We're you not entertained!" Sanchez shouted into commentator Joe Rogans' microphone to the delight of the crowd after his split decision victory over Clay Guida at "The Ultimate Fighter" No. 9 finale.

Sanchez, who with the win becomes the lightweight's top title contender to face either B.J. Penn or Kenny Florian after their bout at UFC 101 in August, nearly stopped the fight in the first round with a wicked head kick. But Guida, true to his ultra-energetic persona, stayed in the bout until the bloody end — even earning a 29-28 edge on one judge's scorecard.

Sanchez may have had beef with Guida before the bout, but it was abundantly clear in the post-fight press conference how much honor he had for "The Carpenter's" tremendous heart afterward.

"I just got tremendous respect after tonight for Clay Guida,” said Sanchez, who hugged his opponent before calling him his new "blood brother."

“I hit him with punches, kicks, and knees right on the button and he kept coming. That was a battle, a real war. That's what the UFC is all about."

And it wasn't just the fans in Las Vegas that were treated to what turned out to be an awesome showdown. Several casual fans likely viewed the stellar event that was broadcast free on Spike TV, unlike most UFC cards which required a pay-per-view purchase.