411's LIVE UFC 80 PPV Coverage: Gabriel Gonzaga vs Fabricio Werdum

Posted by Michael Huckaby on 01.19.2008



Gabriel Gonzaga vs Fabricio Werdum

Werdum trained at Chute Boxe for this fight, I did not know that. Gonzaga comes out to "Mother" by Danzig, making me love him.

Round 1: No glove touch and they circle the center of the Octagon. Gonzaga the first aggressor but Werdum charges forward only to get taken down by Gonzaga in the center. Gonzaga in Werdum's half guard and they're jockeying for position with no strikes being thrown yet a minute in. Still no strikes as Werdum is trying to sweep and Gonzaga is working for the side mount. Gonzaga stands back up after he can't improve position and we're standing. Two really nice leg kicks by Gonzaga buckle Werdum's knee. Gonzaga misses a headkick attempt and then takes Werdum down to the mat with a leg kick. Werdum back to his feet and needs to be aggressive. Another hard leg kick by Gonzaga makes four. Another kick attempt by Gonzaga gets caught and Werdum takes him down to the mat. Exact same position as before only in reverse with Werdum looking to improve past the half guard. Werdum postures up and lands a couple of punches and an elbow. Three short elbows by Werdum land but Gonzaga rolls over looking for a kneebar and we're stuck in a stalemate as the first round ends. Close very technical round but the leg kicks by Gonzaga are making Werdum walk a little gingerly. 411mania scores it 10-9 for Gabriel Gonzaga.

Round 2: Front kick attempt by Werdum followed up with a combination that backs Gonzaga up. Gonzaga stuffs a Werdum takedown and we remain on the feet. Werdum is more aggressive this round but he's charging forward like Babalu against Chuck Liddell throwing strikes looking to clinch. A leg kick by Werdum is caught and Gonzaga throws a shot but we remain on the feet with careful technical strikes. Werdum's kick is caught again and Gonzaga tosses him on his butt but lets him back up again. Gonzaga tosses Werdum down again and again lets him back up. Nice knee by Fabricio followed up with a second one, a third one, and a fourth in the clinch. Fabricio might have found his advantage if he can get close but that's easier said than done. Werdum again has the clinch and Gonzaga can only put his arms in front of his face to try and shield. Werdum takes Gonzaga's back standing and trips him down throwing a ton of unchecked shots until the referee finally steps in. Wow.

Winner: Fabricio Werdum, TKO (strikes), Rd2