Frank Mir will be entering his bout with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira with nothing to prove.
The Las Vegas native last faced the Brazilian at UFC 92, where Mir dominated and was able to out-strike Nogueira on the feet, which lead to a second-round TKO stoppage. The victory was arguably the biggest achievement of Mir’s career.
In anticipation of UFC 140 next weekend, Mir is featured as a special guest blogger on Sportsnet.ca, where he recalled his performance against “Minotauro” and said he was the superior fighter.
Rumours surfaced of a possible staph infection that had affected Nogueira’s performance on that night, but Mir downplays that idea.
“I won the last fight, which took place three years ago in Las Vegas, because I was the better fighter on the night,” Mir wrote. “Me punching him in the chin repeatedly had nothing to do with a staph infection, believe me. I could be sick as hell going into a fight, but I still remember and can perform the necessary techniques to get me out of trouble.
“Nogueira lost that fight because my striking technique was better than his and that could be the reason he loses this rematch, too,” he added.
The win earned Mir a title shot the following year. However, he came up short in his chances of reclaiming the heavyweight crown. Since then, Mir has remained consistent in his attempt to receive another title opportunity, going 3-2 in his past five bouts.
Mir’s title aspirations will come full circle against the same opponent he beat to earn the opportunity just three years ago. Despite already holding a victory over Nogueira, Mir doesn’t see himself having to prove anything.
“I am already a two-time UFC champion but what drives me at this stage in my career is the need to achieve all I can achieve before my career is up,” he wrote. “I know that I am capable of becoming even better than I am right now, and that excites me on a daily basis.”
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