Sherdog’s Top 10: New Year’s Eve Fights

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8. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Josh Barnett
Pride “Shockwave 2006” | Dec. 31, 2006

Barnett took a narrow split decision over Nogueira in September 2006 as part of Pride’s open weight grand prix, giving the Brazilian plenty of incentive for revenge in their rematch three months later. It was part of an extremely active year for “The Warmaster,” who lost to Mirko Filipovic in the grand prix final before submitting Pawel Nastula at Pride 32 en route to his rematch with “Minotauro.” All told, Barnett would fight seven times in 2006, the most of any one year in his MMA career.

Nogueira did not fight again after losing to Barnett in September 2006. Whether that provided the Brazilian any type of advantage is debatable, but Nogueira was clearly the sharper fighter of the two the second time around. Crisp boxing carried the day for Nogueira, as he moved, slipped punches and landed several key multi-punch counters. When he was not outpointing Barnett with his boxing, Nogueira was able to land solid knees from the clinch.

Barnett had his moments in round one, but the American began to fade over the course of the final two frames. Nogueira was consistent with his counterpunching attack, and the effects on Barnett were evident when he did not have enough juice to finish off his foe with a guillotine choke in the waning moments of the fight. Nogueira captured a unanimous decision in what would turn out to be his last Pride appearance before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Barnett, meanwhile, reeled off an eight-fight winning streak before falling victim to Daniel Cormier in May.

Continue Reading » Mark Hunt vs. Mirko Filipovic