The three stars of 'UFC on FOX 16' in Chicago

The UFC plans to stage 45 events in 2015, and during that time, hundreds of fighters will enter and exit the octagon.

While pre-fight hype is an enjoyable aspect of the sport, it’s ultimately the in-cage performances that speak most to fans. For the majority of fighters, the opportunity to present their skills to the world only comes along a few times per year.

A total of 24 fighters got the chance on Saturday as part of UFC on FOX 16 at United Center in Chicago. Only half emerged victorious, however. Now that UFC on FOX 16 is in the books, it’s time to commence MMAjunkie’s “Three Stars” ceremony.

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Gian Villante and Tom Lawlor

Third Star: Tom Lawlor

In his first UFC appearance since April 2013, Tom Lawlor (10-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) seized the moment for one of the biggest victories of his career when he stopped Gian Villante (13-6 MMA, 3-3 UFC) by second-round TKO due to the help of a picture-picture right hand.

The odds were stacked against “Filthy” in his return from an extensive layoff. He moved up to the light heavyweight division from his longtime home at middleweight and was matched against one of the largest athletes in the weight class with Villante.

In the opening round it appeared ring rust and a significant size disadvantage was going to lead to an unpleasant outcome for Lawlor. He turned the tide quickly in the second, though, because he planted a clean shot on Villante’s chin that led to the highlight-reel knockout.

Miesha Tate

Second Star: Miesha Tate

Love her or hate her, Miesha Tate (17-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) deserves praise after defeating a tough Jessica Eye (11-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) by unanimous decision for her fourth-straight octagon triumph.

Eye’s combination of speed and technique has few fighters in the women’s bantamweight division calling her out. Tate saw the matchup as an opportunity to become No. 1 contender at 135 pounds and get a third fight with UFC champ Ronda Rousey.

Early on it looked as though Tate could be in trouble. She ate a series of strikes and did not react well. However, all it took was one punch to knock Eye down and completely change the course of the bout. Tate refocused and found a way to win.

Tate’s fourth consecutive UFC win was one of the most meaningful of her career. She showed improvements to all areas of her game and although Rousey might have her number, Tate continues to prove she’s the second best fighter in the division.

Check out video highlights from Tate’s win.

T.J. Dillashaw

First Star: T.J. Dillashaw

T.J. Dillashaw (12-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) proved his title-winning victory over Renan Barao (33-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) at UFC 177 in May 2014 was no fluke when he put on a repeat performance to defend his UFC bantamweight championship.

Dillashaw stopped Barao with strikes in the fifth round of the first meeting in what was regarded at the time as one of the most significant upsets in UFC history.

The Team Alpha Male fighter entered the rematch as the favorite, and his performance was a clear indication of why. Dillashaw said he would put Barao away even quicker in the second, and he lived up to his word when he stopped his Brazilian foe in the fourth round to defend the 135-pound belt for the second time.

Less than four years ago Dillashaw was nothing more than a runner-up on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show that had raw, but unshaped talent. He’s transformed into an entirely different animal since then and is now one of the UFC’s most exciting and technical champions.

Check out video highlights of Dillashaw’s win.

For more on UFC on FOX 16, check out the UFC Events section of the site.