Issue 079
September 2011
‘Big Nog’ is a punishment sponge and one of MMA’s most accomplished combatants. Read how Nogueira has achieved demi-god status amongst his Brazilian peers
NEED TO KNOW
NAME Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
AGE 35
STARTED 1999
DIVISION Heavyweight
STYLE Jiu-jitsu, boxing
Based California, US
RECORD 32-6-1 (1)
2 (T)KOs (6.25%)
20 Subs (62.5%)
10 Decisions (31.25%)
The first fighter ever to win title belts in both the UFC and now-defunct Japanese promotion Pride FC, six-foot-three heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira has sculpted a legacy that has positioned him as one of Brazil’s most revered fighters. A member of Rio’s Brazilian Top Team until ‘07, the Black House 240lb’er has an 11-year pro career that’s seen him notch 32 wins – some of which he’s endured hellish beatings to earn. His never-say-die attitude and willingness to mix it up with top-echelon talent his entire career (Randy Couture, Mirko ‘Cro Cop’, Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett and Mark Coleman) certified ‘Big Nog’ as one of the greatest many years ago.
A successful BJJ competitor before his switch to MMA, Big Nog’s extremely effective and highly active game from his back means Nogueira is happy to be controlled from the top while he hunts for a submission – armbars and triangles accounting for 15 finishes. It has even worked to his benefit for decisions. An aggressive 20-minute guard against former UFC heavyweight belt holder Ricco Rodriguez at Pride Total Elimination 2003 gave the Brazilian the decision even though some fans deemed Rodriguez to have made more attempt to finish the fight with strikes from the top. Regardless, the BJJ black belt has never been submitted in 40 fights, even against strong grapplers like Jeremy Horn and Josh Barnett.
One of Rodrigo’s most famous applications of both his stubborn chin and enlightened jiu-jitsu came against Tim Sylvia at UFC 81 where the six-foot-eight ‘Maine-iac’ shoveled damage onto the Brazilian for two and a half rounds before out of nowhere Nogueira swept the giant from half guard then sunk in a guillotine choke for the win.
Although he may be best known for world-class jiu-jitsu, Nogueira also possesses a stand-up game to be proud of – even if he predominantly uses his strikes for the decision as opposed to a finish. Minotauro has only stopped two foes with strikes, Pawel Nastula in 2005 and Sanae Kikuta in 2002.
RESILIENCE
‘Big Nog’ has essentially made his career, both in terms of win volume and fan support, via his long-heralded ability to ‘take a licking and keep on ticking.’ He might have been stopped by strikes in two of his last three bouts but prior to that he survived nine years, 37 professional fights and power punchers like Sergei Kharitonov and Fedor Emelianenko without saying good night.
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Before mixed martial arts, Rodrigo spent time medaling in domestic, Pan American and world grappling competitions including ADCC between the ages of 20 and 24. A black belt by 23, Minotauro includes Dan Henderson and Kiyoshi Tamura amongst his 20 submission wins.
AGE
Despite owning 40 career bouts and having a the war-torn appearance of an MMA elder, Minotauro is still only 35 years old – the same age as Chuck Liddell when ‘The Iceman’ won his UFC light heavyweight belt in 2005. Although his body is slowly bearing the brunt of his long career, Nogueira owns a wealth of fight experience and on paper still has many years left in the tank.
CAREER SNAPSHOT
1999
Following a championship-winning BJJ career, Rodrigo Nogueira wins his MMA debut submitting David Dodd at World Extreme Fighting 6 with a rarely seen crucifix submission.
2001
After going 13-1-1 in his career Nogueira adds another win and the Pride heavyweight belt when he decisions Heath Herring at Pride 17.
2004
Loses his belt in 2003 to Fedor Emelianenko but comes back in 2004 to reach the finals of the Pride heavyweight grand prix against Emelianenko. After an accidental cut no contests their first attempt the rematch sees Big Nog miss the judges’ nod.
2008
Comes from behind to defeat Tim Sylvia by guillotine at UFC 81, becoming the interim heavyweight title holder and the first man to win titles in both the UFC and Pride.
2009
Defeats Randy Couture by decision at UFC 102 in one of the most exciting fights of the year.
