It sounds like the UFC career of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira could be coming to a close. After watching Nogueira suffer another stoppage last week in Abu Dhabi, his third in four fights, UFC president Dana White says he’s seen enough. (via FOX Sports)
“Out of respect for Nogueira, I didn’t want to say anything until he said something publicly,” White said. “Then he came out and said he wants to fight Frank Mir. I don’t want to see Nogueira fight ever again. He should retire.”
Nogueira suffered a scary first-round knockout during his Apr. 11 bout with Roy Nelson. Prior to that he was armbarred by Fabrício Werdum back in June 2013 after having his shoulder broken by Frank Mir at UFC 140. Now 37, the former PRIDE heavyweight champion has managed just a single appearance each year since 2011.
“He is a war horse,” said White. “That guy has been in — just the battles in PRIDE he’s been in — let alone the fights that he’s fought in the UFC. He’s one of the most respected fighters in the world by other fighters, let alone by fans. And I like him very much, too, so I wanted to give him the opportunity to say something first. And now I’m going to say, ‘Big Nog, I love you, but I’d love you to never fight again.'”
In addition to the Kimura-induced shoulder injury, Nogueira has suffered extensive damage to his lower body. Undergoing a dual hip operation in 2011, ‘Minotauro’ had a third procedure that same month to repair a torn ACL.
“I’ve been in this position a million times, so we’ll figure it out,” White said.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Results. Get caught up on everything from last night’s TUF Nations Finale.
Next for Kennedy. After possibly breaking his hand against Michael Bisping, Tim Kennedy wants a shot at either Mark Munoz or Gegard Mousasi.
Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas talks Jon Jones‘ Instagram situation and previews this weekend’s UFC on FOX 11 card in this week’s live chat.
Frodo. Bellator featherweight contender Magomedrasul Khasbulaev says there’s been no progress on the visa issues keeping him out of the U.S. ‘Bellator helped me and I was (expected) to come back faster, but still I (had the visa) denied.
One of us. MMA blogger and hero Michael Stets managed to subdue a crazed passenger aboard his flight home from Turkey to New York.
MEDIA STEW
Dana still working on deal to sign Gina Carano.
Brutal KO from TUF 19.
KJ Noons wants Nick Diaz at 170 after knocking out Sam Stout.
Highlights from Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy.
Thiago Alves says ATT recruits top talent by management only taking 5%.
Cody McKenzie back in action.
Could Jones vs. Gustafsson 2 really happen in Sweden?
Long watches.
TUF Nations Finale: Post-fight Press Conference
…
[Portuguese] Junior dos Santos Google hangout
TWEETS
As always, make sure to check out our Pros React piece from last night’s fights.
A few more reactions.
@TimKennedyMMA is as tough as they come. Has always been underrated. Nice win Tim
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 17, 2014
When Kennedy beat me you said he hasn’t beaten anybody. You got your ass spanked for 5 rds what are u going to yap now @bisping big mouth
— rafael natal (@rafaelsaponatal) April 17, 2014
“@ZimVargas: @Benaskren I seriously think Askren could jump in the cage right now and pin both of these jabronies” with jeans on
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) April 17, 2014
Might as well.
I’m tired of calling out all of my divisions belt holders I’m calling you out Hendricks bring it on!!!im calling… http://t.co/tlxqTAULcP
— Hector Lombard (@HectorLombard) April 16, 2014
Congrats.
Won #TUFNationsFinale! Sooo blessed thanks to everyone for the support! @ufc
— Chad Laprise (@ChadLaprise) April 17, 2014
If you doubted, at least you got to witness… @UFC_CA #TUFNations #TeamSpartan
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) April 17, 2014
Those trophies are heavy! Congrats to the winners, well deserved.
— Chrissy Blair (@chrissy_blair) April 17, 2014
Impressive, but BJ did 4ft.
Had to show @bjpenndotcom up yesterday at the pool! Haha what u guys think?? 3ft plus a backflip! http://t.co/OAa3DMf5Uc
— chad mendes (@chadmendes) April 16, 2014
Looks cooked though.
Ha love it @DiegoSanchezUFC is so focused on June 6 he is eating with his gloves on! pic.twitter.com/eITWviJcTD
— Ike Vallie-Flagg (@IKEVF) April 17, 2014
Stay strong.
You can’t even understand my struggle… I had to go to THREE different ice cream places before I found one that was open.
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) April 17, 2014
Get off that leg.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Apr. 16 2014)
NA
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via MrBrutality.
Mr. Brutality’s Top 10 KNOCKOUTS GIF-athon
“He who turns the other cheek is a cowardly dog.”
– Ragnar Redbeard
After watching Big Country Nelson completely starch Big Nog last weekend, I put together some KO’s that have made the Brutality List over the years. There is no real rhyme or reason to this – just some fights that were awesome enough to stick in my head. Usually these KO’s are either devastatingly violent or completely surprising, or a wicked combination of the two.
While some people watch MMA for the athletic contest, the battle of wills, or the clash of skill-sets, I mostly watch for moments like these. A sudden burst of explosive violence that leaves the building silent.…
Check out the rest of the post here.
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