UFC 190 fight card primer: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Mauricio Rua

The co-main event of UFC 190: Rousey vs. Correia is a rematch fans have been waiting for for quite some time. Former PRIDE and UFC LHW champion Mauricio Rua (22-10 MMA, 6-8 UFC) and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-6 MMA, 4-3 UFC) meet again, ten years removed from their unforgettable classic in PRIDE, which Shogun took by unanimous decision.

Shogun is hoping his third successive fight in Brazil nets him a win this time, as he's been knocked out in the previous two. Lil' Nog has struggled with injuries throughout his UFC career and his last fight was an uncompetitive smashing. It's desperat The UFC 190 main card is a special four-hour edition, but still begins at its usual timeslot of 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with preliminary card action airing on Fox Sports 1 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

How do these two stack up?

Nogueira: 39 years old | 6'2" | 79" reach
Rua: 33 years old | 6'1" | 76" reach

What have these two done recently?

Nogueira: L - Anthony Johnson (KO) | W - Rashad Evans (UD) | W - Tito Ortiz (TKO)
Rua: L - Ovince St. Preux (TKO) | L - Dan Henderson (TKO) | W - James Te Huna (KO)

How did these two get here?

The drop in form for Shogun after his unforgettable slaying of Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida in 2010 to win the UFC light heavyweight title has been staggering. Since winning the belt, he's 3-6 over his last 9, including some big stoppage losses along the way. Chael Sonnen guillotined him in Boston, Dan Henderson rallied to stop him in 3 rounds, and Ovince St. Preux came in on short notice and put him away in less than a minute. The only win Shogun has managed within the past 2 years is a swift KO over James Te Huna.

Nogueira had joined the UFC on the heels of a 5-0 run after his stunning KO loss to Sokoudjou in PRIDE. He dazzled in his starching of Luiz Cane, but was given a very competitive fight and eked out a split decision against the unheralded Jason Brilz. Losses to Ryan Bader and Phil Davis followed, killing off any realistic title aspirations. While Minotoro dispatched Tito Ortiz, injuries hampered his fight schedule and he didn't compete again until he upset Rashad Evans in February 2013. Injured again, Lil' Nog didn't return until July 2014, where Anthony Johnson almost took his head off in about 44 seconds.

Why should you care?

If you're a nostalgic sort, then this fight is for you. They had a classic battle in 2005 and will try and replicate it ten years on. This one is not likely to go the distance.