It looks like Antonio Rogerio Nogueria will be receiving some assistance from training partner Anderson Silva, in preparation for a light heavyweight bout against Rich Franklin at UFC 133.
Should Nogueira defeat the former UFC middleweight champion, his boxing coach Luis Dorea feels a big opportunity lies ahead for him.
“He is among the best, so our dream, our target is one day to fight for the title. Rich Franklin is the way to reach the title. This fight is very well matched because he is a man who likes to fight, right? He fights, gives show and doesn’t get into the tied game. He trades, is aggressive on the mat, standing. The game fits well,” Dorea told FightersOnly Magazine.
Franklin has built a solid resume, since moving to light heavyweight, holding notable victories over Wanderlei Silva, Matt Hamill and Chuck Liddell. As a result, Franklin is looked at as a respected veteran in the sport. Nogueira could be another one of the more established names added to Franklin’s resume after UFC 133.
However, Noguiera will have an advantage over Franklin strategically, as he will bring in the last man to defeat Franklin at middleweight, Anderson Silva. Dorea said the addition will help Nogueira earn a victory over his opponent.
“This is something normal, they always train together. In this fight, as in all the others, we’re with everything set, helping each other, and certainly Anderson will pass on all the situations of how Nogueira has to behave… He’ll help so much,” Dorea said.
UFC 133 is set to place on August 6th, live from Philadelphia.
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