Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will make his return against Brendan Schaub at UFC 134 after a long layoff filled with injuries. However Nogueira’s physical trainer, Claudio Pavanelli, said the heavyweight is in great condition and prepared to return.
Pavanelli, who is a sports physiologist for Brazilian soccer team Flamengo, said it was the first time he worked with a mixed martial arts fighter.
Pavanelli spoke to TATAME.com about his training sessions and experience working with Nogueira, whose first intention was to prevent any injuries.
“Our goal was to improve his performance safely and put him in condition to train his techniques and the specific trainings for the fight,” Pavanelli said.
Pavanelli added that they gradually picked up the intensity in training in order to further reach their goal.
Pavanelli said one of the reasons that Nogueira has been able to properly prepare is his determination.
After both preparing Nogueira for his upcoming bout and seeing him steadily improve and grow as a fighter, Pavenelli believes “Minotauro” is physically ready to fight.
“It’s easy working with him,” he said.
“He knows what is really important, what makes difference for him. There’s no such thing as ‘we’ll find it out later’. Rodrigo knows exactly what will happen to him.”
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