Mauricio Rua Drops & Decisions Corey Anderson In Hometown
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight kingpin, Mauricio Rua (24-10) stepped inside the Octagon at UFC 198 against Corey Anderson (8-2). “Shogun” was focused on earning his second straight win, while “Beastin 25/8” tried to extend his winning streak to four.
“Shogun” got the nod in his hometown of Curitiba, Brazil.
Rua landed a couple of leg kicks in the first round. Anderson threw out the jab to keep Rua at bay. An overhand right found the mark for “Shogun.” “Beastin 25/8” kept getting his leg kicked. Anderson threw some punches, but they were blocked. Rua looked for a knee in the clinch, but Anderson went for a takedown. Rua lunged forward and connected with a left hook. Anderson landed a hook of his own. Rua rocked his opponent with a left hook and then dropped him with seconds left in the round. Anderson survived.
“Shogun” chopped the leg of Anderson right away in round two. Anderson threw a combination that was blocked. “Beastin 25/8” ducked under a punch and scored a takedown. Rua scrambled out, but had his back against the fence. The two separated, but Anderson went right back to the takedown attempts. He landed a second takedown, but once again couldn’t hold his opponent down. Anderson was dropped yet again with seconds left in the second round.
Anderson looked for a takedown early in the final frame and he achieved it. Rua held onto his opponent for a bit, but Anderson landed an elbow. Rua returned to his feet with over two minutes left in the fight. “Beastin 25/8” finished his fourth takedown, but his opponent quickly popped back up. The fight ended with Anderson going for another takedown.
Two of the three judges at Octagon side gave the nod to “Shogun.”
Final Result: Mauricio Rua def. Corey Anderson via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
