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UFC 140 Results: What We Learned From Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Tito Ortiz

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz hoped to make a big comeback versus Antonio Rogerio Nogueira during tonight's UFC 140 main card, but it came to an end when Nogueira stopped him in the very first round.

Ortiz came out fast and he payed for it when Nogueira landed the more telling strikes to drop him early in the first round. Nogueira followed up with some brutal ground-and-pound before the referee decided to stop the fight.

What we will remember from the fight

Nogueira ended a two-fight losing streak and saved his UFC career with the win. He did it in unique fashion too, as he was able to stop Ortiz with punches and elbows to the ribs.

Like many fights that involve Ortiz, he is the main focus point coming out of the fight. This was one of his worst performances and it's something a lot of people didn't expect.

What we learned about Nogueira

Nogueira showed good killer instinct in capitalizing on a hurt opponent and stopping Ortiz with a relentless attack on the ground. It was smart for him to continue his attack to the body instead of going back to the head of Ortiz, who has a decent chin and is more vulnerable to the body than anywhere else.

What we learned about Ortiz

Ortiz will always be considered one of the best light heavyweight champion in UFC history, but his recent stretch of fights have been less than impressive. He has only won one bout in his last eight. Many saw it okay for Ortiz to continue because he wasn't being stopped, but this is his second TKO loss in a row.

What's next for Nogueira

For Nogueira, a win over Ortiz is good, but it doesn't send him into the top of the division. A fight versus Stephan Bonnar could be very exciting and one that promises to be fight of the night.

What's next for Ortiz

Ortiz has one fight left on his contract and it's a good idea for the UFC to let him finish that with a final fight. If the UFC wants to guarantee Ortiz a victory, he would have to face a solid name in the division, but not someone who is too threatening.

This could be someone like Brandon Vera, who hasn't looked good in a long time. Also, a third bout with Forrest Griffin could be good.


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