Former UFC heavyweight champ Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-6-1) will undergo two surgeries, one for his hip and another for his knee. “Big Nog” say’s he should be back in the octagon in six months.
Nogueira offered the update on the MMAllStars.com site.
The UFC heavyweight offered his views on several subjects on the surgery, his friend Anderson Silva’s fight, and who he’d like to see crowned UFC heavyweight champion by the time he returns.
Here’s a few quotes.
This was a much anticipated fight as much for you as for your fans, what can you say about this second match up?
Minotauro: At my first fight with Mir I was not ok, I was stubborn and had to pay for that! Mir is a fantastic athlete and deserves respect, he’s had some tough moments in his life, and he’s undoubtedly a winner! This second match up could be a “double-edged sword”, if the athlete is not able to separate heart from head, the chances of everything going to waste grow a lot! In my opinion going after a rematch has its limits. When they offered me this match, the whole plot was written in my head on a split second, “If God is putting him on my way once again, I’ll be ready!!” With that I’ve decided to fight only if I’m 100%!!
What do you expect from your twin brother, Rogério (Minotouro) against the explosive Ryan Bader?
Minotauro: The good thing about this entire situation is that I’ll be able to be at his corner!!(Laughter) We know Ryan’s game quite well, he’s very fast and he’s evolved a lot since time I coached him at TUF. Rogério is living a great moment in his career and his goal is definitely to take the light-heavyweight belt home He’ll be fighting with everything he’s got! His boxing is really dangerous, that makes it possible to control the distance in the fight. Another good point is Rogério’s fighting experience, we believe that’ll make a big difference.