Issue 147
November 2016
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira makes history by becoming the first Pride heavyweight champion
Records are meant to be broken – unless you become the first man to do something. He may be old, worn-down and retired, but nothing can take away Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s achievement of being the first man to win the Pride heavyweight championship. And he earned it in style, 15 years ago this month. His opponent, Heath Herring, was known for his aggression, but he could barely mount any offense under the weight of ‘Minotauro’s relentless submission attempts – including this anaconda choke – and striking combinations. It was a war, a defining fight in ‘Big Nog’s career and a huge moment in MMA history.
Date: November 2001
Location: Tokyo, Japan
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