Author: Zachary Harris

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira’s Future in UFC Could Be in Danger Following Injury

For many fighters, consecutive losses put their respective tenures in the sport’s largest organization in question. When it comes to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the problem is his very physiology.Whether it is a flaw in his training program, inability to…

For many fighters, consecutive losses put their respective tenures in the sport’s largest organization in question. When it comes to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the problem is his very physiology.

Whether it is a flaw in his training program, inability to slow his pace during camp or simply a lack of luck, Lil’ Nog simply seems incapable of staying healthy.

Pulling out of his fight with Mauricio Rua at UFC 161 has to cast doubt on Nogueira’s viability in the UFC altogether. The latest injury caused his third pull out since August of 2011.

Nogueira’s first injury was due to a shoulder injury, which forced him to drop out of a fight scheduled against Rich Franklin at UFC 133, according to MMAJunkie.com.

In 2012, Nogueira had to back out of a fight against Alexander Gustafsson that was scheduled for UFC on Fuel TV 2, citing a knee injury, according to StudioMMA.com.

A year later and Nogueira is injured once again. This time, the Brazilian has cited a back injury, which spoils a long-awaited rematch of his barnburner match with “Shogun” Rua in 2004. The news was first reported by Combate.com and later confirmed by John Morgan of MMAJunkie.com.

The drop out leaves a chasm in an already lacking UFC 161 card set for June 15. For the UFC, it raises questions of how much it is willing to float on Lil’ Nog, given his history. The Brazilian’s pattern of dropping out of main card fights costs the company each time it occurs.

And as good as hardcore fans of the sport know Rogerio Nogueira can be, he is not a big-name draw, in part due to his lack of screen time due to injury. When one considers the totality of the situation, including his recent lackluster performance against Rashad Evans at UFC 156, Nogueira’s time at the UFC could certainly be in danger.

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Five Reasons UFC 162 Will Be More Exciting Than UFC 161

While UFC 161: Henderson vs Evans is just around the corner, the event pales in comparison to the power-packed potential for excitement possessed by UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman. The latter event’s current lineup is not only stronger, but holds more poten…

While UFC 161: Henderson vs Evans is just around the corner, the event pales in comparison to the power-packed potential for excitement possessed by UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman. The latter event’s current lineup is not only stronger, but holds more potential for true historically significant moments than its predecessor.

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UFC on Fuel TV 10: Nogueira’s Rematch with Werdum Could Turn to Swan Song Bout

In 2006, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira defeated Fabricio Werdum in a hard-fought match that went to decision. Nogueira was able to edge the young up-and-comer with crisper boxing, better cardio and the ability to remain one step ahead.On June 8 at UFC on Fu…

In 2006, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira defeated Fabricio Werdum in a hard-fought match that went to decision. Nogueira was able to edge the young up-and-comer with crisper boxing, better cardio and the ability to remain one step ahead.

On June 8 at UFC on Fuel TV 10 from Brazil, one would be wise not to assume the same outcome will play out in the rematch.

For any old guard fan of the sport, Nogueira has been a staple of the top 10 for heavyweights. Unfortunately, for the nostalgic throngs, it is clear that time takes its toll on every man, and Nogueira has shown to be no different.

Nogueira has known since the fight was announced that the Werdum he would be facing was not the same man he faced in 2006. In an interview with MMAJunkie.com Radio, “Minotauro” said “I know it’s not going to be the same fight [as before].”

He went on to say, “I know he changed a lot. He improved his stand-up. So did I. I think I improved my wrestling, and my boxing is way better—my striking, too. I think I can hit harder than last time I fought him. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Despite Nogueira’s belief in his skills, as well as ample time to recommit them to perfection, he has remained inconsistent throughout the last four years of his storied career. He currently holds a 5-3 UFC record.

What is more telling than the record itself is the style of his losses The veteran’s strongest asset was always his persevering spirit, no matter how badly he was punished by an opponent. Recent years have seen that aura of invincibility fade. Nogueira can now be stopped, both by submission and knockout.

In contrast, Fabricio Werdum has continued to improved his skill set since the 2006 match. He has added solid striking to his already devastating ground skills. Simply put, Werdum’s skills have improved while Nogueira’s have continued to wane.

Werdum is likely aware of the fact that Nogueira is no longer capable of surviving all onslaughts. Werdum is sure to hold the upper hand in both the striking and grappling, while necessarily still respecting the tenacious vet enough to not make a costly error.

Werdum is considered by bookies and fans to likely find his way past Nogueira. He sits at as much as minus-300 according BetUS.com, while Nogueira is a plus-225 underdog.

UFC president Dana White told Tatame.com (h/t Bloody Elbow) a victory will ensure Fabricio a title shot. This adds extra incentive for Werdum to fight smart but also engage the former UFC and Pride Heavyweight Champion. A lackluster win will do Werdum no favors.

For Nogueira, he is fighting for his career, and so he will likely pull out all stops to show he is still a viable candidate in the division and the sport itself. Nogueira will almost certainly need to retire from the sport, and the UFC have given him a fitting platform to do so, as he could essentially pass the torch to Werdum.

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