Post by The Sandmen on Oct 2, 2014 17:04:06 GMT -5
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira doesn't look concerned about anything his opponent brings to the table.
Vitaly Minakov raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
And there you go! I would put my money on Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira today.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira comes with a 2 fight winning streak.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Big Nog and Minakov move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Vitaly Minakov moves forward looking for some grappling action
Minakov has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Big Nog doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Vitaly Minakov embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Big Nog who put distance between them
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Big Nog goes to the body...
He punishes Minakov's ribs with a couple of hooks.
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Minakov fires low kicks
that fail to land.
As the fight continues it seems that Vitaly Minakov is taking the best of the fight.
Minakov gets a grip on his opponent
and barrels forward, spiking him on his head!
Big Nog's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Minakov moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Big Nog tries to close his guard around Minakov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Minakov drills Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov pushes Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira struggles not allowing Vitaly Minakov improve his position.
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov hovers above Big Nog
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira stops him from throwing strikes.
Big Nog tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Big Nog switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Big Nog is locking that Triangle Choke...
Minakov struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Big Nog's moves.
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Minakov tries to stand up!
Big Nog doesn't allow him!
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Minakov pulls his arm out of danger.
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Vitaly Minakov. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Big Nog looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Vitaly Minakov's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Good movement from Minakov
who is bobbing and weaving.
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Vitaly Minakov paws at Big Nog.
Big Nog answers with solid punches!
Big Nog moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Minakov with a double overhooks!
Brutal combination from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira!
Minakov is in a bad way, his legs look wobbily!
Minakov's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Big Nog moves forward looking for some action
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Big Nog tries to take Vitaly Minakov to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Minakov is with his back on the ground now.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to finish with a leg lock!
Minakov is able to break the lock.
The clock says 3:15 in the 1 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in open guard over Minakov... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Minakov rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Big Nog jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Minakov doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira embrace and tries to move away...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pushes Minakov forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira slightly pushes Minakov into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Big Nog dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook
that almost lifts Minakov from the ground!
Minakov's Nose is beginning to swell
Big Nog jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira fakes a punch to Vitaly Minakov ribs and the tries to trip him
Vitaly Minakov loses balance and goes to the ground
Minakov has a small cut in his Left cheek
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Vitaly Minakov holds Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog tries to escape from the closed guard
Big Nog succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in open guard over Minakov... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Minakov rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Minakov is trying to counter now!
Minakov switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Big Nog struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in half guard over Minakov
Big Nog shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Minakov pushes Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Vitaly Minakov is in closed guard over Big Nog
Minakov is in closed guard... Big Nog tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Vitaly Minakov!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Big Nog is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Big Nog wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Big Nog moves forward and holds Minakov
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Vitaly Minakov tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Minakov circles out and slips free of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Vitaly Minakov swings...
...no good.
Minakov misses a step and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira sees an opportunity to counter him!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira attempts a sweep single...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira catches Vitaly Minakov's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Big Nog.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Vitaly Minakov launches a few punches to Big Nog's cheek from the guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 0:50 in the 2 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in closed guard... Minakov tries to roll on the ground!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Big Nog use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Yokohama Arena (Yokohama, Japan) is cheering him!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira aggressively and repeatedly punches Minakov.
Good job by Minakov blocking and slipping the blows.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira goes for an americana!
Minakov breaks free.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Big Nog tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in full mount over Vitaly Minakov
Big Nog fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Vitaly Minakov's arm and tries an armbar!
Minakov holds his own hand and with pure strength he breaks Minakov's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Vitaly Minakov is in side mount over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Big Nog measures the resilience of Minakov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Minakov's side.
The clock says 1:45 in the 2 round
Vitaly Minakov is in side mount over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Vitaly Minakov has seen better days.
Vitaly Minakov looks to pass to mount...
Big Nog creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Big Nog leads with a punch
Vitaly Minakov avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was tooling Vitaly Minakov for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Vitaly Minakov lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Vitaly Minakov throws an uppercut
Big Nog slips it.
Minakov pushes Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Big Nog grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to pass to half guard...
Vitaly Minakov can't prevent his opponent from passing. Big Nog looks to work from half guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in half guard over Minakov
Vitaly Minakov attempts to move to full guard
Vitaly Minakov manages to switch to full guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in closed guard... Minakov tries to roll on the ground!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Minakov misses a step and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira sees an opportunity to counter him!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to better his position on the ground...
Big Nog breaks the closed guard of Vitaly Minakov and moves to half guard
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Minakov measures the resilience of Big Nog's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Big Nog's side.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira goes for an americana!
Minakov breaks free.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Vitaly Minakov attempts to trap Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in his guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira keeps control and remains in side mount.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Minakov is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Vitaly Minakov attempts to trap Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in his guard.
Vitaly Minakov manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov measures the resilience of Big Nog's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Big Nog's side.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to finish with a leg lock!
Minakov is able to break the lock.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
A shot seen throughout the arena!
Timely defense by Big Nog.
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira charges at Minakov throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Minakov is rocked!
Minakov moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Big Nog with a double overhooks!
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Good front kick from Big Nog!
Minakov stumbles backwards after that one!
Big Nog cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Minakov can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Vitaly Minakov!
Big Nog is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Vitaly Minakov launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Big Nog and Minakov circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 1:15 in the 3 round
Big Nog is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Minakov's jaw!
A right hand from Vitaly Minakov
makes Big Nog stumble back!
Big Nog has a small cut in his Mouth
An overhand right from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Bang! Minakov's stops that one with his face! How is Minakov standing?!
Brilliant combination from Vitaly Minakov
Big Nog is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Minakov misses a step and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira sees an opportunity to counter him!
Big Nog is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Minakov's jaw!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was tooling Vitaly Minakov for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Vitaly Minakov lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Big Nog moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Vitaly Minakov checks the kick.
Minakov studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Big Nog fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Vitaly Minakov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in open guard over Minakov... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
That Kneebar from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira appears to be unbreakable
Minakov struggles to free himself
Minakov hyper-extended his leg
That Kneebar from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira appears to be unbreakable
Minakov hyper-extended his leg
Minakov struggles to free himself
That Kneebar looks tight...
Big Nog secures the lock while Vitaly Minakov refuses to tap... Josh Rosenthal jumps in and breaks the lock!
Winner is Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by Submission (Kneebar) at 2:33 Round 3
Statistics: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Punches 16/21 (76%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/7 (29%)
Submissions 11/11 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 376 s
Statistics: Vitaly Minakov
Punches 6/15 (40%)
Kicks 0/4 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 5/11 (45%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 376 s
Figured Minakov would do well standing up, but heavily under-estimated Noguiera's boxing. Then one on the ground...done.
Vitaly Minakov raises his fists in his corner. He seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
And there you go! I would put my money on Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira today.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira comes with a 2 fight winning streak.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
Big Nog and Minakov move forward as the bell signals the beginning of the fight!
Vitaly Minakov moves forward looking for some grappling action
Minakov has his opponent in a text book double collar thai clinch!
Big Nog doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Vitaly Minakov embrace and tries to move away...
Nice move from Big Nog who put distance between them
The clock says 0:20 in the 1 round
Big Nog goes to the body...
He punishes Minakov's ribs with a couple of hooks.
The clock says 0:30 in the 1 round
Minakov fires low kicks
that fail to land.
As the fight continues it seems that Vitaly Minakov is taking the best of the fight.
Minakov gets a grip on his opponent
and barrels forward, spiking him on his head!
Big Nog's Right cheek is beginning to swell
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Minakov moves on the ground...
He remains in open guard.
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Big Nog tries to close his guard around Minakov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 1:00 in the 1 round
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov wants to finish his opponent on the ground
Minakov drills Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's face with a huge right hand! What an impact!
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov pushes Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira struggles not allowing Vitaly Minakov improve his position.
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov hovers above Big Nog
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira stops him from throwing strikes.
Big Nog tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Big Nog switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Big Nog is locking that Triangle Choke...
Minakov struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Big Nog's moves.
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Minakov tries to stand up!
Big Nog doesn't allow him!
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Minakov pulls his arm out of danger.
Vitaly Minakov is in open guard over Big Nog
Vitaly Minakov doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He moves fast and now he is standing
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Vitaly Minakov. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Big Nog looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Vitaly Minakov's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 2:20 in the 1 round
Good movement from Minakov
who is bobbing and weaving.
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Vitaly Minakov paws at Big Nog.
Big Nog answers with solid punches!
Big Nog moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Minakov with a double overhooks!
Brutal combination from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira!
Minakov is in a bad way, his legs look wobbily!
Minakov's Chin is bruised after the punishement he's received!
Big Nog moves forward looking for some action
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira shows some wrestling skills as he put his opponent in a double overhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Big Nog tries to take Vitaly Minakov to the ground from the clinch...
Nicely done! Minakov is with his back on the ground now.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to finish with a leg lock!
Minakov is able to break the lock.
The clock says 3:15 in the 1 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in open guard over Minakov... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Minakov rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Big Nog jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Minakov doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira embrace and tries to move away...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pushes Minakov forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira slightly pushes Minakov into the fence and tries to calm down the action.
The referee intervenes to break the clinch.
Big Nog dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook
that almost lifts Minakov from the ground!
Minakov's Nose is beginning to swell
Big Nog jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira pushes his opponent against the fence in a plum position
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira fakes a punch to Vitaly Minakov ribs and the tries to trip him
Vitaly Minakov loses balance and goes to the ground
Minakov has a small cut in his Left cheek
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
Vitaly Minakov holds Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and prevents him from moving to a better position!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog tries to escape from the closed guard
Big Nog succeeds and he's now in open guard... he takes a second to breathe
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in open guard over Minakov... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Minakov rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of his own he escapes.
Minakov is trying to counter now!
Minakov switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Big Nog struggles and his head turns red from the choke, but he manages to slip his head of the lock!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog moves on the ground...
..and gets to half guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in half guard over Minakov
Big Nog shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Minakov pushes Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira forward against his back and breaks the lock!
Vitaly Minakov is in closed guard over Big Nog
Minakov is in closed guard... Big Nog tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Vitaly Minakov!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Big Nog is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Big Nog wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Big Nog moves forward and holds Minakov
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Vitaly Minakov tries to shrug his way out of the clinch.
Minakov circles out and slips free of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's grip. Nice job of getting out of that position.
Vitaly Minakov swings...
...no good.
Minakov misses a step and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira sees an opportunity to counter him!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira attempts a sweep single...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira catches Vitaly Minakov's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Big Nog.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Vitaly Minakov launches a few punches to Big Nog's cheek from the guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 0:50 in the 2 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in closed guard... Minakov tries to roll on the ground!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Big Nog use some of his wrestling skills to escape from the closed guard!
After a few tentative moves, he jumps to side mount! The crowd in Yokohama Arena (Yokohama, Japan) is cheering him!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira aggressively and repeatedly punches Minakov.
Good job by Minakov blocking and slipping the blows.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira goes for an americana!
Minakov breaks free.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Big Nog tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in full mount over Vitaly Minakov
Big Nog fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Vitaly Minakov's arm and tries an armbar!
Minakov holds his own hand and with pure strength he breaks Minakov's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Vitaly Minakov is in side mount over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Big Nog measures the resilience of Minakov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Minakov's side.
The clock says 1:45 in the 2 round
Vitaly Minakov is in side mount over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Vitaly Minakov has seen better days.
Vitaly Minakov looks to pass to mount...
Big Nog creates space and scrambles back to his feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Big Nog leads with a punch
Vitaly Minakov avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was tooling Vitaly Minakov for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Vitaly Minakov lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Vitaly Minakov throws an uppercut
Big Nog slips it.
Minakov pushes Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Big Nog grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to pass to half guard...
Vitaly Minakov can't prevent his opponent from passing. Big Nog looks to work from half guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in half guard over Minakov
Vitaly Minakov attempts to move to full guard
Vitaly Minakov manages to switch to full guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in closed guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in closed guard... Minakov tries to roll on the ground!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Minakov misses a step and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira sees an opportunity to counter him!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to better his position on the ground...
Big Nog breaks the closed guard of Vitaly Minakov and moves to half guard
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Minakov measures the resilience of Big Nog's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Big Nog's side.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira goes for an americana!
Minakov breaks free.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Vitaly Minakov attempts to trap Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in his guard.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira keeps control and remains in side mount.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in side mount over Vitaly Minakov
Minakov is gassing out... Too bad. His performance may be going down from here.
Vitaly Minakov attempts to trap Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in his guard.
Vitaly Minakov manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 4:00 in the 2 round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov measures the resilience of Big Nog's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Big Nog's side.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Minakov tries to close his guard around Big Nog
He is not able to do it
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is taking out his mouthpiece to breathe...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to finish with a leg lock!
Minakov is able to break the lock.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
I can't give the advantage to either fighter in that round.
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Round 3
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A shot seen throughout the arena!
Timely defense by Big Nog.
Vitaly Minakov gets sloppy and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira tries to take advantage...
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira charges at Minakov throwing flurries left and right.
Not many punches are hitting, but the ones that land are huge shots! Minakov is rocked!
Minakov moves forward looking for some action
He surprises Big Nog with a double overhooks!
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Good front kick from Big Nog!
Minakov stumbles backwards after that one!
Big Nog cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Minakov can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Bone shattering straight right hand from Vitaly Minakov!
Big Nog is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Vitaly Minakov launches a low kick
that gets blocked quickly.
Big Nog and Minakov circle around the center of the cage.
The clock says 1:15 in the 3 round
Big Nog is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Minakov's jaw!
A right hand from Vitaly Minakov
makes Big Nog stumble back!
Big Nog has a small cut in his Mouth
An overhand right from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Bang! Minakov's stops that one with his face! How is Minakov standing?!
Brilliant combination from Vitaly Minakov
Big Nog is showing some dodging skills avoiding that ones.
Minakov misses a step and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira sees an opportunity to counter him!
Big Nog is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Minakov's jaw!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was tooling Vitaly Minakov for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Vitaly Minakov lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Big Nog moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Vitaly Minakov checks the kick.
Minakov studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Big Nog fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Vitaly Minakov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is in open guard over Minakov
Big Nog is in open guard over Minakov... he fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
That Kneebar from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira appears to be unbreakable
Minakov struggles to free himself
Minakov hyper-extended his leg
That Kneebar from Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira appears to be unbreakable
Minakov hyper-extended his leg
Minakov struggles to free himself
That Kneebar looks tight...
Big Nog secures the lock while Vitaly Minakov refuses to tap... Josh Rosenthal jumps in and breaks the lock!
Winner is Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by Submission (Kneebar) at 2:33 Round 3
Statistics: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Punches 16/21 (76%)
Kicks 1/2 (50%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 5/5 (100%)
GnP strikes 2/7 (29%)
Submissions 11/11 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 376 s
Statistics: Vitaly Minakov
Punches 6/15 (40%)
Kicks 0/4 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 1/1 (100%)
GnP strikes 5/11 (45%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 376 s
Figured Minakov would do well standing up, but heavily under-estimated Noguiera's boxing. Then one on the ground...done.
Those Soviets know how to fight.....
