Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is considered by many as the second best heavyweight in the history of MMA, yet many were not giving him a chance against rising star Brendan Schaub.
The skepticism was understandable.
For a man who built his reputation off of durability as much as skill, Nogueira was looking decidedly less durable in his recent TKO loss to Frank Mir and KO loss to Cain Velasquez.
Not only that, but Nogueira was heading into the Schaub fight after a lengthy lay-off and three surgeries—one for his knee and one for each hip.
Instead of his admittedly rushed rehab working against him, Nogueira looked born anew in dispatching his younger foe.
After working through some good shots landed by Schaub, Nogueira maintained steady pressure and eventually landed a barrage of fight-ending shots against the cage.
The Brazilian legend has fought all around the world, but this actually marked his first time fighting professionally in his home country.
With the brutal KO coming at three minutes into the fight, the entire crowd erupted in celebration.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is a hero in Brazilian MMA, and with UFC bringing the sport to prominence never before seen, the ride is not yet over.
The only man to hold championships in both Pride and the UFC has some more gas in the tank, and is once again a very important factor in the heavyweight division.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com