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#4 versus Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 102, August 29, 2009)
In a match originally scheduled to occur 18 months earlier, following Couture's successful title defence versus Gabriel Gonzaga, it didn't happen after Couture declined the match, resulting in Couture disappearing from the company for a year.
After Couture returned, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira personally requested a bout with him. This time, "The Natural" accepted. In a gruelling three-round battle, Couture and Nogueira exchanged flurries of exciting strikes as they repeatedly traded blows with each other. Both men grappled, wrestled and exchanged takedowns and submission attempts. It was a world-class performance from two legends. Only one man could come out on top however and this time it was the Brazilian, Nogueira.
There was some consolation for Couture though; despite suffering his second consecutive loss, this bout was the 2009 fight of the year.
