Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for UFC on Fox 12's Anthony Johnson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira co-main event
Jul 24, 2014 - 11:10:08 PM ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for UFC on Fox 12's Anthony Johnson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira co-main event

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Who wins the Anthony "Rumble" Johnson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira bout, and how? What does a win mean for either of them in the 205 lb. division.


CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Anthony Johnson wins the bout handily and in highlight reel fashion. Lil' Nog needs to retire just like his brother. I think the current MMA game has passed both men by. A win for Johnson adds another name to his resume of known fighters he's beaten. If he wins spectacularly it means more eyes are on him, casual fans begin to recognize, and media begins to talk of him as a light heavyweight contender.

If by some crazy twist of fate Lil' Nog wins, it will mean he's still relevant at light heavyweight, and he foolishly continues his MMA career until some other young talented fighter obliterates him. At this point in his career he's just fodder for the UFC, and the next hungry contender they wish to promote.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think Rumble takes the win. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Rumble gets the TKO stoppage in the second round. I think Rumble wins regardless, but it's very possible that it's by a vanilla decision. I'll go with Rumble by TKO, though, because I think he'll be looking to make a statement. A win for Johnson gets him another step closer to a title shot. I'm not saying he gets one by virtue of this win, but it does strengthen his case a bit more. A win for Nogueira would mean that he's only about 2 more wins away from a chance at a title shot himself. It does depend on the way he wins, though. If Nogueira were to finish Johnson that would really be something. If Johnson finishes Nogueira I think he deserves a chance at a title shot in a number one contender's fight.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Well it all depends on if Little Nog actually gets in the cage finally. Rumble is going to win this fight either way; he's shown that wrestling with him isn't gonna work (Phil Davis), striking makes no real dents (Arlovski), and he's ready to become a top contender in the division. On the other side, Little Nog is way past his prime, and has no business being in a co main event in 2014. Rumble by KO.


KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think Rumble wins by a dominating decision. After seeing what he did to Phil Davis, another big win here against Lil Nog could put Johnson right on the doorstep of a title fight.


TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

If I had to place a bet on Anthony Johnson vs Antonio Nogueira, I would put my money on Johnson every time. Since being released from the UFC, he's found the weight class he belongs in, or rather the weight class has found him. It still amazes me how he ever made the welterweight limit of 170 lbs; well, on the occasions he actually did make the weight!

Johnson is now riding a seven fight winning streak, looking stronger, healthier, and more dangerous at 205 lbs. It's always hard to judge if a fighter has improved when they've gone onto a different promotion, as they're fighting guys that are not at the same calibre as in the UFC. That said, Johnson put this to rest in his April return, defeating the highly rated Phil Davis at UFC 172. Not only did he win, he put on a dominating performance for all three rounds.

Antonio Nogueira isn't getting any younger, and at 38-years old his best days are behind him. It's been nearly a year and a half since he last stepped inside the Octagon, where he defeated Rashad Evans via unanimous decision at UFC 156 in February 2013.

Little Nog's best hope is to get the fight to the mat where he excels, though getting Johnson there is a different matter; just ask Phil Davis.

I don't see this fight reaching the third round; Johnson will be too big, and too strong for Nogueira. I'm backing Johnson to get the job done, which will push himself within touching distance of title contention.

Prediction: Johnson TKO round two