Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
Former UFC and PRIDE heavyweight champion Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira (33-7-1, 1NC) will be looking for a win when he returns to Canada this summer when he faces French striker Cheick Kongo at UFC 149.
Nogueira’s last visit North of the 49 ended in up with him having his arm broken by Frank Mir at UFC 140 in Toronto, Ontario. The loss was the first time the Brazilian had been stopped by submission in his career.
Since that time, ‘Big Nog’ has undergone surgery and a lot of rehab to repair the damage done by Mir in their fight. Many felt that Nogueira would be out for the year, let along taking a fight eight months after breaking his arm.
Speaking to Tatame.com, Nogueira wants fans to know that he is fully healed and will be 100% ready by the time July 21st rolls around.
How are you physically? Do you have any move limitations?
No. I’m doing fine. I don’t have any move limitations, but I want to be 100 percent when the fight comes. I’m feeling well enough to train and do my physiotherapy sessions, which is something I always do. I’m just making sure I’ll get there to mess around. I had a disappointment in my last fight against Frank Mir, because it was won and I had a bad outcome afterwards. I’ll try to keep my mistakes to a minimum now.How do you evaluate Check Kongo?
I’m coming from a loss and so does he. Both want to win, but I’m not losing my aggressive side and I’ll try to finish it. I respect Kongo. He’s strong, dangerous at striking, comes forward, but I believe I’m better than him and that I can win.Are you going for the knockout?
As per use, I’m going for the KO or the submission. Kongo will do his best to knock me out or submit me, but I believe I have more weapons
UFC 149 is expected to take place on July 21, 2012 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.