It was technically the finale to “The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 2,” but for most fight fans–no matter where they were watching–this was a showcase for Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
The fight, a rematch of a PRIDE bout from almost seven years ago, represented a key opportunity for the two Brazilians. For Werdum, it was a shot at redemption for the 2006 loss–and an opportunity to prove he deserves consideration in the UFC heavyweight title picture.
For Nogueira, it was a chance to turn his dominant October 2012 victory over Dave Herman into a winning streak.
When the fight closed, it was Werdum who seized the opportunity.
Werdum scored with groundwork early in the fight, but the resilient Nogueira bounced back late in the first round. The more seasoned stand-up fighter, Nogueira seemed to be finding his range against an uncomfortable–and perhaps tiring–Werdum.
Unfortunately, Werdum regained his comfort in round two, and he forced Nogueira to verbally submit to an armbar midway through the frame. It was not the kind of win that sold Werdum as a convincing threat to UFC Champion Cain Velasquez, but it was certainly a worthwhile win over a Brazilian MMA legend.
Earlier on the card, Leonardo Santos became the latest “Ultimate Fighter” with an arm triangle submission victory over William Macario. Thiago Silva, meanwhile, used a more resilient striking attack to give Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante one knockout of a UFC debut.
Fuel UFC on Fuel 10/The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 2 Finale Results:
Antonio Braga Neto b. Anthony Smith via submission (kneebar) – 1:52 R1
Caio Magalhaes b. Karlos Vemola via submission (RNC) – 2:49 R2
Rodrigo Damm b. Mizuto Hirota via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Ildemar Alcantara b. Leandro Silva via UD (30-27×3)
Felipe Arantes b. Godofredo Pepey via TKO (strikes) – 3:32 R1
Raphael Assunção def. Vaughan Lee via submission (armbar) – 1:51 R2
Rony Jason b. Mike Wilkinson via technical submission (triangle) – 1:24 R1
Daniel Sarafian b. Eddie Mendez via submission (arm triangle) – 2:20 R1
Thiago Silva b. Rafael Cavalcante via KO (punches) – 4:29 R1
Leonardo Santos b. William Macario submission (arm triangle) – 4:43 R2
Fabricio Werdum b. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira via verbal submission (armbar) – 2:10 R2
