Tag: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Officially Retires From MMA, Accepts UFC Position as “Athlete Relations Ambassador”


(No, Antonio, we salute YOU. via Getty.)

Following a heartbreaking two-year stretch that saw him submitted by Fabricio Werdum, KO’d by Roy Nelson, and outpointed by Stefan Struve, Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira has finally decided to end to his legendary 17 year career.

Said the man himself (via MMAFighting):

I have mixed feelings. I’m sad for leaving but happy with this new job in the UFC. I remember when I met [Junior dos Santos], he was brave in training, and before his UFC debut against the current champion Fabricio Werdum, I told Dana White to watch for his uppercut. And that’s how he beat him. I have good eyes for new talent, and I will look for new talents in this new generation.

The post Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Officially Retires From MMA, Accepts UFC Position as “Athlete Relations Ambassador” appeared first on Cagepotato.


(No, Antonio, we salute YOU. via Getty.)

Following a heartbreaking two-year stretch that saw him submitted by Fabricio Werdum, KO’d by Roy Nelson, and outpointed by Stefan Struve, Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira has finally decided to end to his legendary 17 year career.

Said the man himself (via MMAFighting):

I have mixed feelings. I’m sad for leaving but happy with this new job in the UFC. I remember when I met [Junior dos Santos], he was brave in training, and before his UFC debut against the current champion Fabricio Werdum, I told Dana White to watch for his uppercut. And that’s how he beat him. I have good eyes for new talent, and I will look for new talents in this new generation.

To recap Big Nog’s career would be both incredibly tasking and redundant — from the truck accident that nearly took his life as a child to his now infamous fights with the like of Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, and Josh Barnett in Pride, right up to the moment he captured the UFC interim heavyweight title over Tim Sylvia (the absolutely beautiful misdirection displayed in that finishing sequence will forever be a standout moment in my mental MMA bank), Nogueira rose to become on of the most respected, the most feared, and simultaneously most beloved figures in the sport. He’s recovered from more haymakers, head kicks, thrashings, and supposedly career-ending injuries than any fight has or ever will recover from, and he did it with complete, unquestioning resolve.

Remember when Big Nog kicked Dave Herman’s ass with a broken rib? Or when he got piledriven by big, bad, 150-pound-weight-advantage Bob Sapp, only to submit him the second round? How bout his brawl with Randy Couture at UFC 102, a classic in the “Old Dudes Just Throwin’ Down” canon? That was 6 years ago, you guys! These are the kind of moments that will forever define the career of a man whose face belongs on the Mount Rushmore of MMA, or hell, just the regular old Mount Rushmore.

In a sport that has seen countless, redefining changes — from to the entrance of smaller and women’s weight classes to actual, corporate sponsorships — Antonio Nogueira has arguably been its greatest constant. But there’s no arguing that his best days as a fighter are behind him, which is why it’s great to hear that he’s retiring before anymore damage can be done. What left does he have to prove, after all?

I started fighting in 1999, and was at the top 3 of the division until 2008. It’s an entire life. I have constant pain, fought guys heavier than this 265 pounds limit today. I love the training routine but I have to be 100 percent to fight.

I’ve always had a passion to follow the development of new athletes and that’s what I intend to continue doing. I want to help further the spread of MMA around the world and give my contribution to the emergence and development of young talent. I appreciate all the confidence that Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta have in me, and I believe we will reach big results together. I know that I can, and will, contribute much to the growth of our sport outside of the Octagon.

It’s hard to imagine Big Nog being anything less than stellar in his new position, so pay your respects to the man’s epic career (and share your favorite Big Nog moments) in the comments section.

The post Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Officially Retires From MMA, Accepts UFC Position as “Athlete Relations Ambassador” appeared first on Cagepotato.

Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 190


(via Getty)

By Sam Stilson

We all knew how the main event of UFC 190 was going to end. We had it figured out the moment the fight was booked. Yet, somehow Ronda Rousey still managed to wow us all. The women’s bantamweight champion truly has something special…and that’s the ability to get hundreds of thousands of people to sit through not one but two TUF Brazil finals (and pay for the privilege) just to watch her fight. Incredible.

UFC 190 turned out to be a much better card in practice than on paper and most indicators are suggesting it was more successful than UFC 189. Rousey is well on her way to becoming the new GSP, if she hasn’t already surpassed him, and we can likely expect many more ‘RONDA ROUSEY and a bunch of other fighters’ -type fight cards to come.

Now let’s look at what might be next for the main card competitors.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 190 appeared first on Cagepotato.


(via Getty)

By Sam Stilson

We all knew how the main event of UFC 190 was going to end. We had it figured out the moment the fight was booked. Yet, somehow Ronda Rousey still managed to wow us all. The women’s bantamweight champion truly has something special…and that’s the ability to get hundreds of thousands of people to sit through not one but two TUF Brazil finals (and pay for the privilege) just to watch her fight. Incredible.

UFC 190 turned out to be a much better card in practice than on paper and most indicators are suggesting it was more successful than UFC 189. Rousey is well on her way to becoming the new GSP, if she hasn’t already surpassed him, and we can likely expect many more ‘RONDA ROUSEY and a bunch of other fighters’ -type fight cards to come.

Now let’s look at what might be next for the main card competitors.

Ronda Rousey should fight: Miesha Tate

Rousey is all but booked to face Miesha Tate for a third time in December as the co-main event for the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo card. But I’m still holding out hope that we can see Cat Zingano and Tate rematch to truly earn another title shot. Rousey’s dominance is getting close to 2008-2009 Anderson Silva levels, where increasingly less-deserving contenders (Cote, Leites) are getting title shots and the public (or perhaps like Silva, Rousey) draws closer and closer to boredom. Rematches of rematches doesn’t seem like a great way to stave off the yawns.

Bethe Correia should fight: Marion Reneau

As expected, Bethe got was coming to her. After weeks of mean mugs and cheap shots, when the fight night arrived, Correira looked scared, stiff and awkward. Talking trash about the champ’s friends and family got her a title shot, but her underdeveloped skills and lack of experience proved she didn’t deserve it. A bout against the relatively inexperienced but still ranked Marion Reneau seems appropriate. It’d be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup and a win for either woman would justify a top 10 spot.

Shogun Rua should fight: Quinton Jackson

Shogun’s back! PRIDE never die! That’s what no one but the most diehard Rua fans should be saying after UFC 190. While a return to training under Rafael Cordeiro clearly paid dividends aside from some sharp kicks (love handles be gone!), Shogun still looked a bit slow, very chinny and nothing like a contender. Rampage already asked for a rematch back in April, and reminded Shogun he’s ready and waiting after the fight. It’s a great match for a UFC on Fox event that would reel in casual fans.

Antônio Rogério Nogueira should fight: Loser of Teixeira-Saint Preux

While Lil’ Nog didn’t look as bad as his brother, he certainly didn’t impress at UFC 190. He’s still a ranked light heavyweight, and considering the state of the 205 lb division, there are still winnable fights for him in the top 15. The loser of the upcoming Glover Teixeira vs. Ovince Saint Preux fight makes sense. If it’s Glover, he’ll be on a 3-fight losing streak and badly in need of a win over a name opponent. If it’s Ovince, the two have yet to fight and he could use another win over a legend for legitimacy. For Nog, a win over either man proves he still belongs at the top.

TUF Brazil 4 finalists should fight: Other TUF contestants

Congratulations fellas. Enjoy your Harley Davidsons.

Stefan Struve should fight: Antonio Silva

Struve got a much-needed win over a legend and pushed Big Nog into retirement to boot. In addition to holding onto his ranking, I’m sure the win helped build the Dutchman’s confidence, which surely was waning after suffering through heart surgery, panic attacks and brutal knockouts in his last few fights. He should take on Bigfoot Silva next, another heavyweight who likely overcame his own fears and self-doubt at UFC 190. Winner can move on to top 10 opposition again. Then probably get KTFO.

Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira should fight: for a retirement package

At least he didn’t get knocked out or submitted this time, right everyone? At 39, sitting outside of the top 15, the time is right for Big Nog to call it quits. It was a hell of a career and he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

Antonio Silva should fight: Stefan Struve

Winning this fight was probably a terrible thing for his long-term health, but he’s back on the winning track and holding onto a spot in the rankings. As stated above, Struve is a perfect next step.

Soa Palelei – should fight: Todd Duffee

Both Palelei and Duffee recently had chances to break into the upper tier of the heavyweight division by putting away fading stars. Both men were soundly beaten for their efforts. Despite a good first round, at UFC 190 Soa proved once and for all that he is a mid-tier gatekeeper at best. Both men need a win to keep their jobs, let them duke it out on the prelims.

Claudia Gadelha should fight: Joanna J?drzejczyk

Gadelha looked incredible as she easily dispatched former WSOF champion Jessica Aguilar. Her rematch with Joanna J?drzejczyk should be a classic and provided the UFC doesn’t bury it on Fight Pass could be just what the division needs to come to prominence.

Jessica Aguilar – should fight: Jessica Penne

It’s not that Aguilar looked bad in her UFC debut, just overmatched. Not unlike Eddie Alvarez’s debut against Donald Cerrone, her fight just reaffirmed what we already know, that being another promotion’s champion doesn’t mean you’re UFC champion material, just that you’re pretty good. She should probably get booked against another contender rather than receive a slow rebuild. Jessica Penne just lost her title bid and would make a great next opponent.

The post Here Comes A New Challenger: Matches to Make – UFC 190 appeared first on Cagepotato.

Anderson Silva Out, Big Nog In As TUF Brazil 4 Coach


(“Okay, everyone get on the mat and give me 20 post-mortem leg lifts NOW.”) 

Because we all knew that the UFC would never do it, the Nevada State Athletic Commission recently stepped up and made the decision to remove Anderson Silva as a TUF Brazil 4 coach in the wake of his UFC 183 drug test failure. “No way! This changes everything!” said the six people currently anticipating the fourth season of TUF Brazil. 

Details after the jump.


(“Okay, everyone get on the mat and give me 20 post-mortem leg lifts NOW.”) 

Because we all knew that the UFC would never do it, the Nevada State Athletic Commission recently stepped up and made the decision to remove Anderson Silva as a TUF Brazil 4 coach in the wake of his UFC 183 drug test failure. “No way! This changes everything!” said the six people currently anticipating the fourth season of TUF Brazil. 

Details after the jump.

Silva’s removal from TUF comes as a result of the temporary suspension he received for his positive drug test on January 9th. Stepping in for Anderson will be none other than Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (via a UFC press release):

The UFC® announced today that Brazilian legend Rodrigo “Big Nog” Nogueira will join the cast of The Ultimate Fighter® Brazil 4, the organization’s signature television reality series, as coach following the departure of UFC middleweight Anderson Silva.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which regulates The Ultimate Fighter series’ exhibition fights filmed in Las Vegas, requested that Silva cease participation in the series as a result of his temporary suspension following the recently announced preliminary results of his January 9 pre-fight drug test for UFC® 183.

The UFC and Globo, the show’s Brazilian broadcaster, respect the Commission’s decision, which will allow Silva to focus his attention on the matter before the Commission. 

Silva is still scheduled to face the Nevada State Athletic Commission on February 17th for his full disciplinary hearing. For what it’s worth, Silva’s second round of out-of-competition testing administered on January 19th came back clean for any PED’s. Whether or not this will affect any possible fines or suspensions Silva may face is still up in the air according to NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett. As he told MMAFighting:

Bob Bennett, the NAC executive director, said he did not know if the latest test findings would affect any penalties given to Silva by the commission.

“I can’t speak for the chairman or be presumptuous in any way or comment on that,” Bennett told MMAFighting.com. “It’s not my position.”

Bennett did say it was good news for Silva, the UFC and the sport.

“We’re happy to get these results,” he said. 

It’s an interesting development in the Silva saga to say the least, and one that will surely be discussed during Silva’s hearing on the 17th.

Report: Antonio Nogueira Narrowly Escapes Ongoing Hostage Situation in Brasilia Hotel


(Photo via Mirror.uk. Props to CP reader Airton S for the tip)

In a story eerily reminiscent of the movie Swordfish (minus Halle Berry’s world-renowned torso acting skills), it seems as if Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira just narrowly avoided an ongoing hostage situation in a Brasilian hotel this morning.

According to Globo, the MMA legend and his brother were staying at the Saint Peter Hotel in Brasilia, Brazil over the weekend, when they (along with nearly 300 other hotel guests) were evacuated from the building by fireman due to an apparent “gas leak.” The situation was far more severe in reality, as a crazed gunman had actually taken a hotel employee hostage on the 13th floor*, handcuffed him, and strapped a bomb to his chest (see photo above).

The incident began around 8 a.m. this morning, when the suspect was spotted climbing up the side of the building by several concerned guests. While information is limited, it is believed that the gunman has a grudge with the Brazilian government and “is calling for ‘the fall of Dilma’ among other things.” Dilma, of course, refers to Brazil’s 36th and current President Dilma Rousseff.

A spokesman for the Brasilian police stated that it has not yet been confirmed whether the white cylinders seen on the hostage’s vest are actual bombs or not, but that “Security evacuated the hotel and three negotiators are trying to resolve the situation peacefully. A bomb disposal unit is on the scene.”

We will update you on this situation as it develops.


(Photo via Mirror.uk. Props to CP reader Airton S for the tip)

In a story eerily reminiscent of the movie Swordfish (minus Halle Berry’s world-renowned torso acting skills), it seems as if Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira just narrowly avoided an ongoing hostage situation in a Brasilian hotel this morning.

According to Globo, the MMA legend and his brother were staying at the Saint Peter Hotel in Brasilia, Brazil over the weekend, when they (along with nearly 300 other hotel guests) were evacuated from the building by fireman due to an apparent “gas leak.” The situation was far more severe in reality, as a crazed gunman had actually taken a hotel employee hostage on the 13th floor*, handcuffed him, and strapped a bomb to his chest (see photo above).

The incident began around 8 a.m. this morning, when the suspect was spotted climbing up the side of the building by several concerned guests. While information is limited, it is believed that the gunman has a grudge with the Brazilian government and “is calling for ‘the fall of Dilma’ among other things.” Dilma, of course, refers to Brazil’s 36th and current President Dilma Rousseff.

A spokesman for the Brasilian police stated that it has not yet been confirmed whether the white cylinders seen on the hostage’s vest are actual bombs or not, but that “Security evacuated the hotel and three negotiators are trying to resolve the situation peacefully. A bomb disposal unit is on the scene.”

We will update you on this situation as it develops.

*Do you see now, Brazilian hotel owners? THIS IS WHY YOU NEVER HAVE A 13th FLOOR. Also, your country frightens me. 

–J. Jones

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira To Retire! In 2015!


(via Nog’s Instagram)

There was a time, not too long ago, when Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was considered indestructible. Beatable maybe, but finishable? Please. What was Fedor or Cro Cop or Werdum going to do to Big Nog that a Mac truck hadn’t already done? You could drop an anvil on this guy’s face, an anvil I tells ya, and his jaw would split the sumbitch in half like a coconut.

Lately, however, Nogueira has looked something less than invincible in the octagon. He’s looked slow, tired, vulnerable. That he’s been finished in all five of his past losses (alongside which he has earned just three wins) further points to his ever-deteriorating skillset, with his most recent knockout loss to Roy Nelson being a particularly tough pill to swallow. Or even look at. Yet he forges ahead, despite near constant protests by fans, media members, and most likely his family to call it quits.

I know, you’ve heard this all before — hell, I’ve probably lamented Nog’s stubbornness a couple dozen times by now. But today brings good news, Potato Nation! In an interview with Ag.Fight (via MMAFighting), “Minotauro” finally discussed his retirement! Hallelujer!!

And the best news is…it’s not happening as soon it should, actually…


(via Nog’s Instagram)

There was a time, not too long ago, when Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was considered indestructible. Beatable maybe, but finishable? Please. What was Fedor or Cro Cop or Werdum going to do to Big Nog that a Mac truck hadn’t already done? You could drop an anvil on this guy’s face, an anvil I tells ya, and his jaw would split the sumbitch in half like a coconut.

Lately, however, Nogueira has looked something less than invincible in the octagon. He’s looked slow, tired, vulnerable. That he’s been finished in all five of his past losses (alongside which he has earned just three wins) further points to his ever-deteriorating skillset, with his most recent knockout loss to Roy Nelson being a particularly tough pill to swallow. Or even look at. Yet he forges ahead, despite near constant protests by fans, media members, and most likely his family to call it quits.

I know, you’ve heard this all before — hell, I’ve probably lamented Nog’s stubbornness a couple dozen times by now. But today brings good news, Potato Nation! In an interview with Ag.Fight (via MMAFighting), “Minotauro” finally discussed his retirement! Hallelujer!!

And the best news is…it’s not happening as soon it should, actually:

I know I won’t fight forever. I’m focused on my gym’s business now. It’s a beautiful work, we have 9,000 students, 32 gyms. … I plan to end my career by the end of the next year, I believe. One more year. It’s until the point my body can handle.

So many injuries, I’m dedicating to other things now. I will decide when the time comes. I have two more fights in my contract, and then I’ll stop (fighting).

Well, I guess that’s the best we’re gonna get.

While Nogueira’s decision to fulfill his contract is an honorable one — in that old timey, “go down with the ship” sense of the term — I can’t help but think that the string of injuries he is currently dealing with might tie in with the whole “point my body can handle” thing he was talking about. Then again, he’s only 38 years old, and if Gray Maynard is just “a young kid” at 35 (according to Dana White), maybe Nogueira still has some good years left in him just waiting to get out!

You know what, fuck it. I’m back on Team Big Nog, baby! I say wait ’till he heals up and pair him against Alistair Overeem! YOU HEAR THAT, REEM? YOUR DAY OF RECKONING FOR HURTING JON JONES IS COMING!!! YEE HAW!!!!

–J. Jones

Dear God, No: Big Nog Eyeing Another Fight After He Returns From ACL Surgery


(Ugh, post-knockout leg lifts are just the *worst*. Photo via Getty.)

There wasn’t an MMA fan among us who enjoyed watching Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira get pancaked by Roy Nelson at Fight Night 39. The ugly loss accounted for Minotauro’s second in as many contests and 5th in his past 8 overall. Even more unsettling is the fact that in those 5 defeats, the formerly unfinishable heavyweight has suffered two broken arms and at least three concussions, not to mention the litany of injuries he’s gone down with in between those fights.

In short, it would appear that Big Nog’s body is trying to tell him something. Unfortunately for his arms, legs, torso, and jaw, his mind has apparently yet to receive the message. It was revealed over the weekend by Nogueira himself that the former PRIDE champion had tore his ACL just days prior to his contest with Nelson, which might have explained why he looked as if he was fighting underwater in the minutes leading up to his brutal loss:

I just got my exams, and I unfortunately tore my ACL. Three days before the fight, I was training wrestling and I twisted my right knee working on a single leg. I stopped training, and I felt it during the fight. I did the exams as soon as I returned to Brazil, and I found out this morning that I hurt the ACL and LCL.

I’m going to need surgery. I had the same surgery on the left knee three years ago, and now it’s on the right knee.

So basically, Nogueira’s body is a ticking time bomb. But rest assured, he still wants another fight…


(Ugh, post-knockout leg lifts are just the *worst*. Photo via Getty.)

There wasn’t an MMA fan among us who enjoyed watching Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira get pancaked by Roy Nelson at Fight Night 39. The ugly loss accounted for Minotauro’s second in as many contests and 5th in his past 8 overall. Even more unsettling is the fact that in those 5 defeats, the formerly unfinishable heavyweight has suffered two broken arms and at least three concussions, not to mention the litany of injuries he’s gone down with in between those fights.

In short, it would appear that Big Nog’s body is trying to tell him something. Unfortunately for his arms, legs, torso, and jaw, his mind has apparently yet to receive the message. It was revealed over the weekend by Nogueira himself that the former PRIDE champion had tore his ACL just days prior to his contest with Nelson, which might have explained why he looked as if he was fighting underwater in the minutes leading up to his brutal loss:

I just got my exams, and I unfortunately tore my ACL. Three days before the fight, I was training wrestling and I twisted my right knee working on a single leg. I stopped training, and I felt it during the fight. I did the exams as soon as I returned to Brazil, and I found out this morning that I hurt the ACL and LCL.

I’m going to need surgery. I had the same surgery on the left knee three years ago, and now it’s on the right knee.

So basically, Nogueira’s body is a ticking time bomb. But rest assured, he still wants another fight…

I want to recover and see what happens, but I want to fight. I was feeling great, had a great training camp for this fight. I was fast, but I couldn’t perform. I have to recover and start it all over again.

Well, at least we know that Nogueira has yet to actually see a video of the fight, because if he thinks he was faster than anything but a T-1000 covered in liquid nitrogen, he is sorely mistaken.

But who would you like to see Big Nog face when he returns from his latest surgery, Nation? A willow tree? A slowly-shifting tectonic plate? Father Time?

–J. Jones