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#4 versus Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pride 25, March 16, 2003)
The very first Pride FC Heavyweight Champion was Brazilian legend, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. However, when most observers think of Pride, they think of Fedor Emelianenko. That's because once he defeated Nogueira to win the gold, he never lost the title before the company closed its doors.
Prior to this bout, Nogueira had won 12 fights in a row and was widely regarded as the premier Heavyweight in MMA. However, by the end of this fight, that status would switch to Emelianenko instead.
Atypically, Emelianenko showed a willingness to enter Nogueria's guard; a position where "Big Nog" had defeated the best in the business via triangle choke and other submissions.
However, what Emelianenko was able to do from this position that no other fighter had, was to ruthlessly ground and pound the Champion.
After three rounds of action, the judges unanimously agreed that Pride had a new Champion. Emelianenko had arrived.
