August 4, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Shogun Rua hits Brandon Vera during the light heavyweight match at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
In the main event of UFC on Fox 4, Mauricio Rua overcame cardio issues to pick up a fourth-round TKO victory over a game Brandon Vera in their light heavyweight bout. Shogun started fast, hurting Vera early in the first but not going overboard trying to finish. He used a takedown-game against the wrestler, which seemed to surprise him a bit.
Vera stood and traded with Shogun for most of the fight and definitely had some bright moments, but he likely wouldn't have taken any of the rounds on the scorecards. Even though Shogun controlled the fight and got a finish, it was seen as a disappointing effort by many, and likely cost him a UFC light heavyweight title shot.
What was the high spot of this fight?
The finish. Shogun caught Vera with a big right that knocked his mouthpiece out. While he was trying to put it back in, he got blasted with another two shots that brought an end to the proceedings.
Where do these guys go from here?
Shogun has a few different options right now. A fight with Alexander Gustafsson seems like the most logical option, but a coaching position on TUF Brazil 2 could be a possibility as well. It was thought that he would coach against Machida, but that's out the window now. Maybe Little Nog?
Vera will be sticking around for sure, but it remains to be seen who he will face next. He did the best he could and he's clearly a UFC-caliber fighter, but hopefully it's not on the main card.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Later. It was a good fight, but the card was full of fights that were better than this one.
More Bloody Elbow coverage of UFC 149 in the full entry.
UFC On Fox 4 Results: What's Next For The Main Card Fighters - Tim Burke
UFC On Fox Judo Chop: Lyoto Machida Knocks Out Ryan Bader - Fraser Coffeen
Video: UFC On Fox 4 Shogun Vs. Vera Results, Review And Analysis - Nate Wilcox
UFC On Fox Ratings: 2.36 Million Viewers For Shogun Vs. Vera - Brent Brookhouse
UFC On Fox 4: Shogun Has Taken Too Much - George Halvatzis Jr.
UFC on Fox 4 Results: Sunday Perspective - T.P. Grant
UFC on Fox 4 Judo Chop: Is Lyoto Machida Ready for Jon Jones? - Jack Slack
UFC On Fox 4 Results: Winners And Losers - Tim Burke
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