Brazilian featherweight Talita Nogueira got back in the win column at Friday’s Bellator 256, but the win was not without some controversy.
Twice during the fight, Nogueira (8-2) was warned for illegal strikes to the back of opponent Jessica Borga’s head. On the second occasion, the ref took a point. Not that it mattered — Nogueira dominated the fight start to finish, and still won a unanimous decision.
Post-fight, she apologized to Borga when asked about the incident by Cageside Press.
“I’m so sorry for my opponent. The punch on the ground, it’s not common for me. I like jiu-jitsu, grappling. And my coach [yelled] ‘punches, and elbows!’ and I was so excited, then ‘boom,’ illegal.” When Nogueira went back to her corner, they told her “no more punches now!”
“I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” Nogueira repeated.
Still, she’s back in the win column. And while Nogueira wasn’t ranked before the fight, she likely will be now. Which could mean big things ahead. On that front, Nogueira called for “anyone, or Cat Zingano. I want this fight. I think it’s a good fight. Cat Zingano is so good at wrestling. I like her. I’m a fan. She’s a good.” It was a fight she asked for more than once during her post-fight scrum.
Hoping for a quick turnaround, the Brazilian featherweight is ready whenever the promotion comes calling. “I want Cat Zingano now. I respect all fighters. When Bellator can, I’m here.”
Watch the full Bellator 256 post-fight press scrum with Talita Nogueira above.
