The UFC on made its debut on FX as part of its new multi-year deal with FOX, and the night provided multiple solid fights to welcome the UFC into its new home. In the main event, former title contender Jim Miller bounced back from a lopsided loss to Ben Henderson, as he submitted fellow contender Melvin Guillard in the first round of their bout. Guillard blasted Miller early in the first round, but Miller was able to survive, and once he got the fight to the ground, Guillard was like a fish out of water, and he eventually fell victim to the rear naked choke.

In the co-main event, Josh Neer survived an onslaught from slugger Duane Ludwig to get the fight into his comfort zone on the ground, where he submitted Ludwig with a guillotine choke. Neer appeared interested in striking with Ludwig early in the fight, but when his face showed that he was clearly losing that battle, he took the fight to the ground and easily dispatched of Ludwig.

In another main card bout, bantamweight prospects Mike Easton and Jared Papazian put on an exciting show for fans that saw Easton come out victorious with the unanimous decision win after he controlled much of the fight. While many felt that Easton and Papazian deserved the “fight of the night” award, that honor was given to heavyweights Pat Barry and Christian Morecraft, who opened up the main card with their slugfest. After nearly being submitted in the first round, the striker Barry showed improved submission defense and was able to eventually land a big shot that dropped Morecraft early in the second stanza.

The entire preliminary card aired on FX sister channel FUEL TV, and it featured a mix of veterans and newcomers in the spotlight on the night. Veteran Jorge Rivera exited the sport of mixed martial arts on his own terms, as he retired after earning a second round TKO over Eric Schafer in his final bout inside the Octagon. Newcomer Khabib Nurmagomedov advanced his impressive unbeaten record to 17-0, as he submitted former Olympic wrestler Kamal Shalorus in the third round of their bout. Two other newcomers picked up their first UFC victories, as featherweight Daniel Pineda and bantamweight Nick Denis both picked up early first round stoppages in their respective debuts. Fabricio Camoes and Charlie Brennaman were also victorious on the night.

End of night bonuses of $45,000 went to Barry and Morecraft (fight of the night), Jim Miller (submission of the night), and Nick Denis (knockout of the night). The UFC returns this weekend with its second appearance on FOX, as the event will showcase three fights that could have title implications. Rashad Evans and Phil Davis will square off in the light heavyweight main event, Chael Sonnen will take on Michael Bisping in the co-headliner, and former middleweight title challenger Demian Maia will round out the main card against undefeated prospect Chris Weidman.

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The UFC is set to return to Atlanta in April, and the event is expected to feature Jon Jones’ next light heavyweight title defense. He could face Rashad Evans if he is victorious over Phil Davis at UFC on FOX 2 this weekend, or Dan Henderson could get the title shot if Evans isn’t ready. With the new Atlanta date, the UFC canceled its trip to Montreal in March, and the Atlanta card will be known as UFC 145.