UFC 198 results: Shogun Rua holds off Corey Anderson, captures split decision win

Mauricio Rua was trying to win back-to-back fights for the first time in seven years -- at the expense of Corey Anderson -- when Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to the pay-per-view (PPV) market on Sat. night (May 14, 2016) inside the massive Arena da Baixada soccer stadium in Curitiba, Brazil.

Mission accomplished.

It was a wild opening frame as both fighters walked and stalked during the feeling out process. Anderson was a bit busier with his hands, but Rua was landing several punishing leg kicks. With just seconds left in the round, "Shogun" popped and dropped the TUF grad and nearly hammer-fisted his way to a TKO victory.

Anderson was saved by the bell.

"Beastin' 25/8" didn't spend too much time striking to open the second stanza, timing a takedown and bringing the fight south about 60 seconds in. Unfortunately, he was unable to keep Rua grounded and the fight returned to the feet. From there, it became a wrestling match as Anderson spammed takedowns.

Then nearly got knocked out AGAIN with a late flurry.

In round three, Anderson -- likely down two-zip -- came out with increased urgency and went right back to his wrestling. He was able to keep "Shogun" down but not for long, and the action was upright with just two minutes to go. Anderson wasn't taking any chances and kept up with his mug-and-slug gameplan.

In the end, it wasn't enough and Rua was awarded a split decision win.

For complete UFC 198 results and live play-by-play updates click here. Recaps, videos, reactions, and much more from the "Werdum vs. Miocic" mixed martial arts (MMA) event in Brazil, head over to our UFC 198 live story stream here.