Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Mauricio Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira faced off in a Light Heavyweight bout tonight (Sat., July 25, 2020) at UFC on ESPN 14 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After a back-and-forth battle, the judges awarded Rua the split-decision.
“Shogun” began the bout with an inside low kick, patiently stalking his opponent. Rua advanced behind a right hand and moved into the clinch. The two traded small shots before disengaging. Nogueira cracked Rua with a good left hand, prompting his foe to attempt a flurry. Rua dug another low kick, this one to the calf. “Lil Nog” scored with another left hand but ate a cross. The two traded lead hooks, then Nogueira touched his foe with another left. Rua wrapped up the clinch once more. A pair of left hands from Nogueira stunned his opponent, and he went on the offensive! Rua was forced on the defensive, but he reversed the situation with a takedown and finished the round in top control.
Rua opened the second round with a body kick before charging forward and landing in the clinch. Heavy low kick from “Shogun.” Nogueira connected on a left hand then another. Nogueira advanced and continued to find a home for his left. Rua seemed to stun Nogueira with a punch, but Nogueira shoulder bumped him off his feet! “Lil Nog” landed small punches from within the full guard. Rua returned to his feet. Rua attempted a single leg takedown, but this time Nogueira stuffed it. Big right hand counter landed for “Shogun,” then he kicked the thigh. Nogueira backed his foe up with another good left hand.
Touch of gloves began the final round of Antonio Rogerio Nogueira’s legendary career. Who was ahead on the cards? No idea, but Rua landed the first major strike of the round with a heavy low kick. Nogueira clipped his foe with a left then landed a counter. Rua scored with a quick right, but another counter left scored for Nogueira. Kick-punch combo landed well for “Shogun.” Stiff 1-2 landed for “Lil Nog,” then an overhand. Rua’s low kick continued to land. Check hook scored for Rua, who then jabbed his way into a double leg takedown with a minute remaining. Rua landed a good hammerfist, but Nogueira rolled into deep half guard. The fight finished from that position.
Like the first two bouts, this rubber match proved an exciting and competitive scrap. Ultimately, the judges sided with the kicks and takedowns of Rua, but “Lil Nog” can still retire with his chin high.
Result: Mauricio Rua defeats Antonio Rogerio Nogueira via split-decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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