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7. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Mirko Filipovic
Pride Final Conflict 2003
Nov. 9, 2003 | Tokyo

“Cro Cop” had not yet lost in MMA, and the former K-1 star was laying waste to everyone in Pride Fighting Championships. Enter the indomitable Nogueira, and you had the recipe for fireworks at the Tokyo Dome. As many expected, Filipovic tore into the Brazilian with his brilliant assortment of strikes and began wearing down “Minotauro” with thunderous kicks to the body and legs. After the first 10-minute round, Nogueira appeared to be a beaten man, but those who knew his history best had a hunch that he was right where he wanted to be.

Filipovic picked up where he left off at the start of round two, but fatigue had begun to take hold. Nogueira struck for a takedown, moved to mount and rained down sporadic punches. “Cro Cop” struggled to free himself from the submission wizard, but when he exploded out and tried to scramble to his feet, he left his right arm dangling. Right on cue, Nogueira snatched the exposed limb, went belly down with the armbar and forced the tapout 1:45 into the second round.

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