Winner: Minotauro Nogueira – Decision
The round starts and within the first 15 seconds, Nogueira takes Herring to the mat. Nogueira already has side control and is starting to work. Herring is trying to pull Nogueira into his half guard and manages to squirm to his feet. They get to the center of the octagon and exchange. Nogueira’s hands look good and doesn’t back away from Herring’s strikes. Nogueira stalks Herring and lands a goods straight and staggers Herring off balance. Herring is fine and Nogueira continues to stalk. Herring attempts another high kick. Herring is starting to get overwhelmed and Nogueira almost gets Herring’s back. Nogueira lets him go and they center again. They exchange and then Herring lands a huge kick to Nogueira’s head. Nogueira is hurt but Herring backs off and stands then makes Nogueira stand. Nogueira is incredibly rocked but manages to stay alive and the round ends.
They come back to center of the octagon in the beginning of the second round and Nogueira isn’t stalking anymore. He is more cautious and is still really wobbly. Herring works the high kick again. A minute passes and Nogueira is coming around again. The pace is picked up by Nogueira and Herring may have missed his opportunity. Herring throws another high kick. Nogeiura dodges a high kick and takes Herring down. Nogueira mounts and begins to take Herring’s back. Herring is trying to slide out the back door but manages to roll on top of Nogueira and then escape his guard and stands. Herring doesn’t look crisp and Nogueira pushes on. Herring lands a good leg kick but doesn’t follow with anything. Herring throws another leg kick but Nogueira returns with a punch combo. Herring keeps on throwing single strikes then Nogueira gets another take down as the round ends.
Nogueira comes out with a good combination. Herring changes his stance and starts to have a cocky attitude. Herring lands another good leg kick but again doesn’t follow. Nogueira walks up to Herring and takes him down. Herring gives up his back and tries to roll but gives up his back. Nogueira tries to lock in a rear naked choke but Herring manuevers and escapes into Nogueira’s guard. Noguiera then works an arm lock but Herring explodes out and Nogueira doesn’t waste any time to pounce. Herring again moves quick and gets to his feet. Herring eats a couple more jabs then gets in a quick clinch. They separate and exchange. Nogueira continues to pursue and Herring keeps eating strikes. Herring drops his hands hoping for a home run. As time dwindles it is clear that Nogueira has won the last two rounds and the fight.
