The rematch of one of the best MMA fights in PRIDE history took place at UFC 190. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira went toe-to-toe.
There was a feeling out process early, but they were searching for homeruns. Both Shogun and Nogueira narrowly missed heavy punches as they wanted to end it early. They were not afraid to mix it up in the pocket.
Nogueira stunned Shogun, but the former champion covered up and responded. He was on wobbly legs for a long time, but he stayed right in the fight. Shogun then landed clean to stun Nogueira. A crazy end to the first round helped revitalize a crowd that had lost some of its enthusiasm prior to the contest.
Shogun opened the second round with a takedown. Eventually, Nogueira used his jiu-jitsu experience to work his way back to the feet. It was evident that Rua was less interested to have a pure striking exchange after being badly hurt in the first round.
Media scores have been posted for Rua/Nogueira: http://t.co/XqvpgRv2Ug
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Rua was looking for the takedowns again in the final round. He landed some strong leg kicks in the final two frames, but he was avoiding a wild exchange at all cost. He got more patient, and it paid off. His more methodical approach allowed him to score enough to win the fight on the scorecards.
What We'll Remember About This Fight
A crazy flurry in the final minute-plus of the first round was the most memorable portion of the fight.
They worked out their range and pacing early in the round, and when Nogueira clocked Shogun he went in for the finish. It didn't prove to happen as Shogun covered up well and fired back, but that only made it more fun.
Shogun landed flush to back Nogueira off of him, but soon he returned. They threw heavy leather in the pocket. The horn sounded and the crowd rose to their feet.
What We Learned About Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Is it wrong to say that we learned nothing?
This was the same old Nogueira, and after he rocked Rua in the first round he didn't turn up the tempo again. He didn't try to make it ugly. That was where he had the most success, but then he abandoned it. It cost him the fight.
I think we have learned just about all we can from Nogueira. There's nothing new to his tactics.
What We Learned About Shogun Rua
We learned that he can still fight smart.
His aggression has been a downfall for him in recent outings, and it was very nearly his downfall at UFC 190. However, he survived and fought much more smartly in the final two rounds. If he does that, he can still compete with many in this division.
Rua has quality striking and grappling, but he just doesn't have the chin to use all-out aggression anymore.
What's Next for Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Patrick Cummins.
Yes, Nogueira lost, but he still looked pretty good out there. The matchup against Cummins would be a good test for Cummins' evolution as a fighter. He loves to use his wrestling and grind, but Nogueira's ground game would be a serious threat.
That would be a quality fight for a Fight Night event. It has a little value for both men with their ranking in the division.
What's Next for Shogun Rua
Shogun is a top 10 fighter in a thin division. The ranking is misleading because he isn't an upper echelon fighter anymore. The fight that makes the most sense is against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
It is another PRIDE rematch that hardcore fans can enjoy without having any big impact on the division.
If the UFC could make that happen for their return to Japan it would make even more sense, but that may be unlikely. Regardless, Shogun should not be involved in any top tier bout in the light heavyweight division. No value in that.
