Mauricio Rua vs Rogerio Nogueira — Fight recap

Mauricio Rua defeated Rogerio Nogueira by unanimous decision after three rounds on June 26, 2005. Rua dominated the grappling exchanges, landing seven of nine takedown attempts for a 77% success rate while Nogueira failed to convert either of his two takedown bids.

The striking volume favored Rua as well, who connected on 70 of 167 significant strikes at 41% accuracy compared to Nogueira's 31 of 96 at 32%. Both fighters scored a knockdown apiece, but Rua's control of the wrestling and superior output on the feet secured the unanimous verdict from referee Moritaka Oshiro.

The victory established Rua as a formidable heavyweight contender with well-rounded striking and takedown prowess.