UFC heavyweight prospect, Brendan Schaub will not be entering familiar territory in Rio de Janeiro, as he prepares to square off against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC Rio on Aug. 27.
Schaub, who is currently training for the matchup in Brazil, spoke to TATAME.com and said Nogueira is unlike all the other opponents he has faced.
“This is the biggest fight of my career against the biggest name I ever fought,” Schaub said.
“I expect the fight of my life in this one.”
Schaub is used to challenging some of the upper echelon of the heavyweight division, as he recently defeated Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 128. Prior to that, he defeated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialist, Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC 121, a bout that saw his stock rise significantly.
And if Schaub can pick up a win over a legend like Nogueira, it could enter his name into the title picture in the heavyweight division. However Schaub must overcome the one advantage Nogueria will hold over him: the home crowd.
Schaub said he won’t expect to be a fan favourite to the Brazilian crowd against Nogueira.
“I expect a packed house full of Nogueira fans and I am ready for a hostile environment.” he said.
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