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Fabricio Werdum took one step closer to getting a shot at UFC heavyweight gold, engaging in a grueling battle of attrition with the legendary Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV 10. Werdum overcame the constant pressure of “Big Nog” to win by armbar at 2:41 of the second round.

“Big Nog” came forward to start, while Werdum landed leg kicks before taking the fight to the mat. Werdum looked to advance from the top as Nogueira worked to retain his guard. “Big Nog” finally found an opening and scrambled out the back door getting back to his feet. Werdum landed with his jab then more kicks as Nogueira continued to march forward and pressure. The battle of attrition wore on inside, with both guys landing in close range while clinching. Nogueira continued to pressure forcing Werdum to fight moving backward as a grueling first round came to an end.

Nogueira got right back on his march to start the second, stalking Werdum across the cage. Werdum fired off a stiff right hand before circling out, but again “Big Nog” pursued, landing a flurry of strikes before going back to the clinch. Werdum turned “Big Nog” into the cage then dipped in for a takedown but gave up his neck on the way to the mat. Nogueira cinched up the neck but couldn’t secure it as Werdum scrambled to top position. Werdum then went to work on an arm of “Big Nog” as both fighters scrambled to establish position. Werdum stayed relentless from the back of Nogueira, extending the arm and getting the eventual verbal submission.

The victory moves Fabricio Werdum to 17-5 overall (5-2 UFC). The win also marks Werdum’s third consecutive victory since returning to the UFC early last year.

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