UFC Confirms Mirko “Cro Cop” vs. Frank Mir for UFC 119

Yesterday we passed along news that Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira would reportedly not fight Frank Mir as scheduled September 25th, due to a rib injury, and that Mirko “Cro Cop” had agreed to step in as Nog’s replacement. Injuries happen, so that’s not too surprising, but we probably weren’t the only ones who had their eyebrows […]

cro cop

Yesterday we passed along news that Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira would reportedly not fight Frank Mir as scheduled September 25th, due to a rib injury, and that Mirko “Cro Cop” had agreed to step in as Nog’s replacement. Injuries happen, so that’s not too surprising, but we probably weren’t the only ones who had their eyebrows rise upon reading “Cro Cop” was taking the fight. Could it be that “Cro Cop” had reconsidered previous statements he made about getting “too old” for all this ultimate fighting stuff? (Or just as probable—that those comments were taken out of context or inaccurate?)

Well, apparently we kicked into ‘over thinking’ mode way too early on this one (which isn’t a habit here as any regular reader knows), as the UFC has confirmed today that “Cro Cop” will in fact face Mir at UFC 119 in Indianapolis. If you’re a big time Nog fan, and were hoping for some redemption in the rematch with Mir, sorry about your loss. There’s lots riding on “Cro Cop” vs. Mir as well though; should be sweet.

If you’re having trouble keeping track of the bazillion cards being promoted these days (not that we’re complaining), UFC will also feature Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Ryan Bader, Chris Lytle vs. Matt Serra II, Evan Dunham vs. Sean Sherk and Melvin Guillard vs. Jeremy Stephens on the main card. To bet on any of the upcoming cards head here.

Report: Mirko “Cro Cop” to Replace Injured “Minotauro” Nogueira vs. Frank Mir

If you’re a huge “Minotauro” Nogueira fan and have had September 25th marked down on your calendar, in anticipation of your boy getting another shot at Frank Mir, well, you may want to put the coffee down (or any other object that could be thrown courtesy a temper tantrum). According to a report from Fighters Only […]

cro cop

If you’re a huge “Minotauro” Nogueira fan and have had September 25th marked down on your calendar, in anticipation of your boy getting another shot at Frank Mir, well, you may want to put the coffee down (or any other object that could be thrown courtesy a temper tantrum). According to a report from Fighters Only Magazine Nogueira has been forced to withdraw from UFC 119 due to an injury. In a follow up report from MMA Junkie, a source has confirmed with the outlet, that a rib injury has in fact punted the legendary heavyweight from the card.

So, for big time Nog fans this news has to be very disappointing, as Nogueira has consistently said that a serious staph infection and a messed up knee, were key reasons as to why he got absolutely pasted by Mir at UFC 92. Looks like Nog learned his lesson in terms of trying to fight through an injury no?

Now, the sh-tty news regarding Nogueira’s injury aside, Fighters Only is reporting that Mirko “Cro Cop” will step in to fight Mir at UFC 119. Our first reaction was ‘cool—wait—what?’ Now Cro Cop has clearly fought some of the best in the sport, and if he has indeed agreed to fight Mir then that’s awesome, but it wasn’t long ago we were hearing reports that he was humming and hawing about retirement. Now he’s stepping up against one the world’s best on 6 week’s notice? Guess he’s still looking to make a run.

Rogerio Noguiera Says Anderson Silva is Going to Kick Chael Sonnen’s “Ass”

It kind of seems like it’s been a little quieter on the Chael Sonnen front lately (or other matters are grabbing headlines) which may or may not have anything to do with the outspoken wrestler’s recent on and off again relationship with a certain Twitter account. Now, all that said, it wasn’t too long ago […]

rogerio nogueira cane

It kind of seems like it’s been a little quieter on the Chael Sonnen front lately (or other matters are grabbing headlines) which may or may not have anything to do with the outspoken wrestler’s recent on and off again relationship with a certain Twitter account. Now, all that said, it wasn’t too long ago that the Team Quest fighter tossed one of his infamous ‘Sonnens’ in the direction of the renowned Nogueira brothers, who of course, awarded Anderson Silva his black belt in BJJ. You may recall Sonnen didn’t think Silva’s affiliation with Antonio Rodrigo and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was such a big deal, stating “One is a punching bag and the other I just ignore.” Now don’t hold anything back Chael…

Yes, it takes some serious bollocks to make such a statement; Nog is right up there on the all time greats and “Lil Nog” is likely a title threat at 205. In a recent interview with Tatame Magazine, Rogerio was asked for his thoughts on the upcoming Sonnen / Silva; anyone surprised by this answer?

“It’s the way he found to bring Anderson to wherever he wants. He’s provoking Anderson to see if he bits the bait, lose his head and goes for the knockout. Anderson will kick his ass. He doesn’t have a ground game… He was submitted by Jeremy Horn and by Paulão… He won (on a fight against Nate Marquardt) because the guy ran out of gas, otherwise he’d get that guillotine.”

Yup; it’s only going to get more interesting as August 7th draws near….to bet on the fight head here.