2. (Tie) Mirko Filipovic vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira | Final Conflict 2003 (Nov. 9, 2003)
Nogueira versus “Cro Cop” featured Pride's two greatest heavyweights not named Fedor, and they ended up engaging in an all-time classic of their own. They were huge contrasts in every way, with Filipovic being the first elite kickboxer to successfully transition into being an elite mixed martial artist, while Nogueira's base was his phenomenal BJJ. Nogueira was more experienced and well-rounded, but “Cro Cop” was improving by leaps and bounds around that time. Coming into the fight, Nogueira had lost his heavyweight crown to Emelianenko earlier that year and looked to re-establish himself after a lackluster and controversial decision over former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez. “Cro Cop,” meanwhile, had never lost in MMA to that point but was making a big step up in competition, with his previous biggest wins in Pride being sensational early knockouts of Igor Vovchanchyn and Heath Herring. Early on, nothing that Nogueira did worked. He tried a takedown until to be easily stuffed, with Filipovic ending up on top. The Brazilian tried to work submissions, but the Croatian demonstrated solid submission defense while landing left hammerfists. Eventually, a stalemate occurred and they were back on their feet. “Cro Cop” proceeded to beat up the Brazilian, landing repeated stomach-churning left kicks to the body and deadly left crosses. Nogueira was reduced to trying to bait “Cro Cop” onto the ground by laying on his back and continual failed shots. Late in the round, Nogueira tried to box, but had no success, as Filipovic skillfully evaded his blows.
The Brazilian's nose was a mess at this point, leaking blood everywhere. Right as the bell sounded, “Cro Cop” finally landed his murderous left head kick for good measure, knocking the iron-chinned Brazilian down. A natural question arose at this point: How in the world can Nogueira possibly win this encounter? Many fighters would have mentally checked out at this point and accepted defeat, but not Nogueira. Right as Round 2 began, he backed up “Cro Cop” against the ropes and then shot a takedown. The Croatian was just a little slower in sprawling and didn't angle off as well, allowing the Brazilian to finally take him down while on top. He almost instantly passed to side control, and then to mount, as the Japanese fans went berserk in the stands. Instead of rushing, Nogueira wisely took his time, softening up his foe with a torrent of punches to the head. After a while, “Cro Cop” was forced to make the first move, trying to buck Nogueira off. The Brazilian used his foe’s extended right arm to lock in a tight belly-down armbar, eliciting the tap. The crowd exploded in jubilation and Nogueira himself put both hands to his head, not believing the incredible comeback he had just orchestrated. Of all of the Brazilian's victories snatched from the jaws of defeat, this was the most impressive.
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