https://youtu.be/NlWM-TB2tDM

Last night (Saturday, November 19) the UFC returned to sun soaked Sao Paulo, Brazil with UFC Fight Night 100.

The card was headlined by a light heavyweight clash between long-time contender Ryan Bader, and Brazilian legend Antonio Rogerio Nogueira – more widely known as “Lil Nog.” The bout had the potential to thrust the winner into position for a light heavyweight title shot.

As the odds suggested, Bader would walk away with the victory in Sao Paulo. He did so with a truly dominant performance. Not long after the opening bell rang, the American had worked his way into top position, where he locked up wrist control and rained down the ground-and-pound. Miraculously, Lil Nog’s heart carried him out of the first round – and even the second – but in the third, Bader’s onslaught became too much for him to withstand. The referee jumped in to save the lionhearted legend from any further abuse at 3:51 of round three.

Watch the highlights of Bader’s dominant victory at the top of this post!

In victory, Bader builds on the momentum of a highlight reel September knockout of Ilir Latifi. Though his win-streak is only two fights long, he’s likely to get the next light heavyweight title shot, as their is simply nobody more deserving in the currently shallow division.

Bader’s opponent for any potential title shot will be determined on December 10, when challenger Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and champ Daniel Cormier rematch for divisional gold. Though Bader has a recent and decisive loss to Rumble on his record, which makes him a bit of a tough sell in that potential fight, he has yet to fight Cormier, and also has a bit of a beef with the current champ.

In defeat, Lil Nog returns to the loss column after a nice win over Patrick Cummins. Though the Brazilian is still long on heart, it’s hard to imagine him hanging with any of the light heavyweight division’s best. At 40 years old, and with a 22-8 overall record, it may soon be time to hang up the gloves.

What did you think of Bader’s big win in Sao Paulo? Sound off, PENN Nation!