Bout 14: Mauricio Rua (26-11-1) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (23-9) (Light Heavyweight)
They clinched in the second minute, with Rua putting Nogueira against the cage. They returned to stand-up striking with half of the round to go. Nogueira landed a combination of punches in the final minute that had Rua backing up. Rua scored a takedown in the final 30 seconds to stop the momentum of Nogueira.
Rua put Nogueira against the cage in a clinch to begin the second round. They separated moments after. Nogueira was the better striker on the feet in the second round again. Using momentum mostly, Nogueira got a shoulder tackle takedown on Rua in the second minute. They stood up with two minutes remaining in the fight. Rua tried for a takedown in the fourth minute although Nogueira was able to stop it.
Rua landed a leg kick early in the third round that hurt Nogueira. Nogueira continued to connect with punches to the head. Rua stunned Nogeuira in the fourth minute, getting a takedown moments after. Rua had top position in a half guard. Rua landed hammerfist strikes from above before the fight ran out of time. Going to the judges, Rua got a split decision win (29-28 Rua, 29-28 Nogueira & 29-28 Rua).
RESULT: Mauricio Rua def. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira via Decision, Split
My Scorecard:
Fighter | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Total |
Rua | 9 | 9 | 10 | 28 |
Nogueira | 10 | 10 | 9 | 29 |