Upon watching the completion of Friday’s Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira fight, most people probably thought this: a) wow, what a brutal knockout, and b) it might be time for Nogueira to finally hang ’em up.
The 37-year-old Nogueira, a former PRIDE FC and UFC heavyweight champion, saw his record fall to 34-9-1 (1 no contest) courtesy of a few patented Nelson right hands. He also suffered his fifth loss in eight fights and the third knockout loss of his illustrious career.
So was that the last time we’ll ever see “Big Nog” fight? According to one of his managers Jorge Guimaraes, Nogueira might have other plans.
“Maybe a last fight against Frank Mir to square off and retire,” Guimaraes responded moments after the loss when asked if Nogueira will walk away from the sport.
“He mentioned that way before his fight against Roy Nelson was scheduled. He just can’t live without avenging these loses.”
Of course, a brutal knockout like the one Nogueira suffered Friday night in Abu Dhabi could change things, but Guimaraes said he mentioned it to Nogueira after the loss, “and he smiled.”
Mir was the first to TKO Nogueira at UFC 92 in Dec. 2008. He then submitted Nogueira at UFC 140 via kimura when the Brazilian refused to tap and broke his arm. However, there’s no guarantee Mir will fight again, either, considering the 34-year-old has lost his last four in a row, or that the UFC would be interested in making the fight again. UFC president Dana White didn’t respond when asked if he wanted to see Nogueira fight again.
Nogueira was taken to a local hospital after the loss, and Guimaraes said, “he hit his head very hard and he’s a little dizzy. He’s very disappointed.” He has yet to speak to the media after the fight.