The highest of stakes were on the line when Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker squared off at UFC 213.

With current UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping looking on from the sidelines, the two top contenders duked it out to not only determine who would wear the interim divisional title, but secure the next shot against the champion for unification.

Despite the Cuban-born powerhouse taking the first two rounds with his pressure and defense, The Ultimate Fighter alum rallied back to sweep the final three rounds on the judges' scorecards. Whittaker's effort was locked in flawless takedown defense and that turned the tides throughout the final 15 minutes of the tilt.

With the win, Whittaker will supposedly face Bisping to unify the belts, but "The Count's" ties to a bout with Georges St-Pierre still linger.