[jwplayer 0FBiWFoT]
Mauricio Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira lock horns in a light heavyweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 14 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility on Yas Island, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 8 p.m. ET.
Want to place a bet on UFC on ESPN 14? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!
Rua (26-11-1) heads into this one looking for redemption after a split-decision draw last time out against Paul Craig Nov. 16, 2019. It’s a fight Rua felt he should have won. He is now 1-1-1 across his past three fights, and has recorded a pair of knockout victories in the past four bouts. Three of his past four outings, and six of the previous nine, have finished inside the distance. He has yet to pick up a win at the UFC level via submission, but is 0-2 by submission with a loss to Chael Sonnen Aug. 17, 2013 in the main event.
Nogueira (23-9) managed to last just 2:07 in the first round against Ryan Spann, falling by KO/TKO at UFC 237 on May 11, 2019. Nogueira will be looking for a little redemption in this one, as he lost by unanimous decision to Rua back on Aug. 1, 2015 at UFC 190. This is actually the third meeting between these two warriors, as Rua also won via unanimous decision at PRIDE: Critical Countdown 2005. Each of the 44-year-old’s past four fights have finished inside the distance, winning two and losing two. He has never had a submission victory or loss at the UFC level.
Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira betting odds
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET.
RUA (-193) looks to cap off the trilogy by going a perfect 3-for-3, and there is no reason to doubt he can do it. However, the two previous fights have gone the distance, so tread lightly. Taking RUA BY DECISION (+375) could be a very lucrative decision, and it’s a sound small-unit play based upon the previous two matchups.
If you don’t feel Rua can do it again, but aren’t feeling Nogueira, playing the “fight finish” prop is a good idea. Winning on DECISION (+200) will double your investment. OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (+150) can be a nice payday, too, and you have a little wiggle room in case there is a late finish in Round 3.
To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.
If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]