Hendo (left) defeated Shogun (right) again at UFC Natal. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The Brazilian Mauricio Shogun and the North American Dan Henderson They did what many consider unlikely: a rematch as exciting and contested as the first fight. The Brazilian started better, managed two knockdowns in the first rounds, but ended up being surprised by a strong right hook from the 43-year-old veteran fighter, and ended up knocked out in the third round. The fight was the main attraction of UFC Fight Night 38, an event held this Sunday (23), in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte.
The fight
The first fight between Mauricio Shogun e Dan Henderson, in 2011, was elected one of the greatest in the organization's history. And tonight the fighters left nothing to be desired and provided the public in Rio Grande do Norte with a great fight, full of striking, intensity and surprises.
UFC CHRISTMAS: CB Dollaway knocks out and Mutante and Maldonado puts on a show
Shogun started the fight better, ready to score his second consecutive victory and the fourth setback in a series for the North American. The Brazilian found the distance and connected good blows to his rival. In the final moments of the first round, Mauricio managed a knockdown and went after Dan. With several punches from above, the veteran fighter was saved by the bell.
In the second round Mauricio kept the pace and took down Hendo again. With good combinations of blows, the Brazilian athlete managed another knockdown and remained on top in the ground fight for a long period. But without effectiveness, it did not pose any danger to the opponent.
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History seemed to repeat itself in the third round. Shogun controlling the actions and Hendo trying to surprise with a blow. The right swing, the North American's main attack, put Mauricio in danger on two occasions. But the end came with a short right hook.
Hendo attempted a takedown, but when he freed himself from the grip, the Brazilian exposed his face and was caught squarely. The North American was quick on the trigger and with a few more punches on the ground he managed the technical knockout.
Check out the UFC Natal results below:
Main Card:
Dan Henderson derrotou Mauricio Shogun by knockout in R3;
CB Dollaway defeated Cezar Mutant by knockout in R1;
Leo Santos x Norman Parke drew
Fabio Maldonado derrotou Gian Villante in the unanimous decision of the judges;
Michel Trator defeated Mairbek Taisumov via unanimous decision by the judges;
Ron Jason defeated Steven Siler via TKO in R1;
Preliminary Card
Thiago Marreta defeated Ronny Markes by knockout in R1;
Jussier formiga submitted Scott Jorgensen with a rear naked choke in R1;
Kenny Robertson submitted Thiago Bodão with a rear naked choke in R1;
Hans Stringer defeated Francimar Bodão via split decision
Geoffrey Pepey defeated Noad Lahat by knockout in R1;
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