The UFC has announced today that the promotion is moving forward with the expected rematch between former champs Frank Mir and “Minotauro” Nogueira, for September 25th in Indianapolis. Why not right? Both dudes got bombed out in their last bouts (Nog by Cain Velasquez / Mir by Shane Carwin); both guys continue to be threats in the heavyweight division, and of course, there’s a little bit of drama in the background to make things that much more interesting. You may recall that after Nogueira was throttled by Mir at UFC 92 in December, 2008, the legendary fighter announced afterwards that he had been suffering from a knee injury, as well as a staph infection, heading into their bout. You may also recall that Mir wasn’t really down with the whole ‘excuse’ thing…
In the press release announcing the rematch today, Dana White was quoted saying:
“Ever since Frank Mir beat Nogueira for the heavyweight title in 2008, Minotauro has asked me for this rematch because he wants to prove that the first fight was a fluke,” said UFC President Dana White. “On September 25th, he gets his wish, and I don’t think there’s any fighter more motivated than he is to even the score. As for Frank Mir, he wants to get back in the title picture, and if I know him, he was the first man to knock Nogueira out at UFC 92, and now he’ll want to be the first man to make him tap out.”
So, just a thought, but if you’re Nogueira, maybe this time it might be wise to drop out of the fight if you get seriously injured or sick again no?