Fabricio Werdum proved that he is one of the top contenders for the UFC heavyweight title on Saturday night in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 10 as he defeated former interim champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by submission.
The fight opened with Werdum throwing two leg kicks and he took the fight to the ground. He was in the mount position for a moment but Nogueira was able to get him out of the position.
Werdum would be in top position and transitioned into various positions before Nogueira got back to his feet. After Werdum landed a jab, Nogueira clinched him against the fence and Werdum would be able to escape.
Nogueira landed a short punch and began to clinch with Werdum again and landed a couple of body shots. They grappled against the cage and Werdum looked for a single leg takedown. Nogueira stopped the takedown attempt and the fighters clinched against the fence as the bell sounded for the end of the first round.
As the second round opened, Werdum landed two leg kicks but Nogueira continued to come forward. Once again, they would grapple against the fence and the fighters went to the ground. As they were going to the ground, Nogueira went for a guillotine choke but Werdum was able to escape.
He would have side control and then transitioned into half guard. He would pass to get the back of Nogueira and began to look for an armbar submission. After securing the submission, Nogueira verbally submitted to the submission and Werdum gets the victory.
Werdum (17-5-1) has now won three straight fights since coming back to the UFC and is likely one more win away from a title shot.
UFC on FUEL TV 10 Results:
Fabrico Werdum def. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira via verbal submission (armbar) – Round 2, 2:41
Leonardo Santos def. William Macario via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 2, 4:43
Thiago Silva def. Rafael Cavalcante via KO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:29
Erick Silva def. Jason High via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 1:11
Daniel Sarafian def. Eddie Mendez via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:20
Rony Jason def. Mike Wilkinson via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 1:24
Raphael Assuncao def. Vaughan Lee via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 1:51
Felipe Arantes def. Godofredo Pepey via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:32
Ildemar Alcantara def. Leandro Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Rodrigo Damm def. Mizuto Hirota via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Caio Magalhaes def. Karlos Vemola via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:29
Antonio Braga Neto def. Anthony Smith via submission (knee bar) – Round 1, 1:52