The fight went the distance but in the end it was the result Irish fight fans were hoping for – Conor McGregor has beaten Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC202.

#ConorMcGregor gets it done!!!!!!! #UFC202 pic.twitter.com/23sGogQDqx

— #UFC202 (@ufc) August 21, 2016

“The king is back,” McGregor announced after the judges awarded him the win by majority decision.

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was heaving for the much-anticipated rematch between the two fighters.

Here's a look at the impressive @TMobileArena ahead of #DiazMcGregor2 tonight, where will you be watching?! pic.twitter.com/b0exGHJ5IP

— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 20, 2016

McGregor pic.twitter.com/f7JJILmiLd

— KING MCGREGOR (@KINGSERGIORAMOS) August 21, 2016

I make it nine security members in middle of octagon to separate the two.

— Joe Callaghan (@JoeCallaghan84) August 21, 2016

Both fighters were battered and bruised by the five-round encounter that left no-one certain of the result.

Great first round for McGregor. 10-9 ahead. #UFC202

— eir Sport (@eirSport) August 21, 2016

McGregor 20-18 after 2 BUT Diaz came on very strong in the last 90 seconds. Reminiscent of the first fight. Round 3 gonna be fascinating.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 21, 2016

The one thing watching fans were sure of was that this was worth staying up for.

What an utterly brilliant fight. A lesson in human will and durability. Incredible. We can go to bed proud.

— Laura Kennedy (@LooraKennedy) August 21, 2016

THIS IS A WAR LIKE WE HAVEN'T SEEN IN A LONG TIME!! #UFC202 (@ufc)

— Wilmer Valderrama (@WValderrama) August 21, 2016

More to follow.