UFC Fight Night 39 treated Abu Dhabi to an exciting night of fights, with the main card offering a little good, a little bad and a little weird for fight fans across the globe.
Topped by a main event between longtime heavyweight standouts Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy “Big Country” Nelson, the UFC clearly wanted to end its stay in the United Arab Emirates with a bang, and that is exactly what happened.
Nelson connected with a series of powerful punches early in Round 1, and the finish was near. After stalking his prey across the Octagon, he uncorked one final blast, putting his foe down and out for good.
It was more than a little uncomfortable to watch a legend such as Nogueira go down so emphatically.
While fans will remember this bout for its hellacious finish, the other fighters on the main card left an impression as well.
Let’s break down who excelled and who faltered on the big stage on Friday at UFC Fight Night 39.