Issue 081
November 2011
Siblings who have gone on to make their mark in the world of mixed martial arts
About
Rua Brothers
Pride veteran Murilo and former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio.
Overeem Brothers
Dutch heavyweights Alistair and Valentijn both fought most recently under the Strikeforce banner.
Emelianenko Brothers
For years, Fedor was hailed as the pound-for-pound number one, while Aleksander’s quick KO’s made him a fan favorite.
Diaz Brothers
Nick is the former Strikeforce welterweight champ. Nate won The Ultimate Fighter season five.
Nogueira Brothers
Brazilians Antonio Rodrigo and Antonio Rogerio; the twins are also known as ‘Big Nog’ and ‘Little Nog.’
Shamrock Brothers
Ken is a pioneer of the sport, one of the UFC originals. His adopted brother Frank is widely credited as the first true all-rounder.
Hughes Brothers
Matt enjoyed two spells as UFC welterweight champion and is in the UFC Hall of Fame. Twin brother Mark’s career was not on the same level
Big Brother
Rua Brothers
‘Ninja’ compiled a 20-12-1 record. His aggressive style epitomized the Chute Boxe philosophy.
Overeem Brothers
Valentijn made his name with the Rings organization. The experienced campaigner has 31 wins from 60 fights.
Emelianenko Brothers
A legend of Pride and darling of hardcore fans, Fedor was considered invincible throughout much of his career.
Diaz Brothers
Nick talks big and backs it up. Opponents can’t handle his combination of unorthodox boxing and killer jiu-jitsu.
Nogueira Brothers
Top-class jiu-jitsu and an incredible chin won Rodrigo ‘Minotauro’ the Pride heavyweight belt and the UFC interim title.
Shamrock Brothers
‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ is a King of Pancrase, the first UFC superfight champ, TUF coach and mortal enemy of Tito Ortiz.
Hughes Brothers
A legend of the Octagon. Matt has won 18 UFC fights – with high-profile victims such as Royce Gracie, BJ Penn and GSP.
Little Brother
Rua Brothers
‘Shogun’ blasted his way to the Pride middleweight grand prix title and the UFC 205lb belt.
Overeem Brothers
On a four-year winning streak that has landed him the Dream and K-1 heavyweight belts and Strikeforce title.
Emelianenko Brothers
His prison tattoos and penchant for hunting bears with a knife have made him a cult hero.
Diaz Brothers
Stylewise, Nate is a virtual carbon copy. Unfortunately, he also shares Nick’s habit of losing tight decisions in the UFC Octagon.
Nogueira Brothers
Rogerio ‘Minotoro’ also made his name in Japan and now plies his trade in the UFC light heavyweight division.
Shamrock Brothers
Frank won a UFC belt, popularized the idea of cross-training and dragged MMA into the modern era.
Hughes Brothers
Mark built a solid 6-2 record. Like his famous sibling, his primary asset was his wrestling.
Highs
Rua Brothers
Murilo was outstanding in his Pride debut against Daijiro Matsui. Shogun’s first-round KO win over Lyoto Machida at UFC 113 made him UFC champion.
Overeem Brothers
‘The Python’ submitted Randy Couture with an opening-minute guillotine in Japan. ‘The Demolition Man’ was crowned Strikeforce champ in 2007.
Emelianenko Brothers
Fedor’s decision win over ‘Cro Cop’ in ‘05 was one of the most eagerly awaited MMA contests ever. Alex’s 15-second KO win at Pride Bushido 6 boosted his reputation.
Diaz Brothers
Nick announced himself to the world by out-slugging Robbie Lawler in ‘04. Nate triangled Kurt Pellegrino in ‘08, flexed his guns, flipped the bird and waited for the tap.
Nogueira Brothers
Big Nog came back to armbar Bob Sapp at Pride Shockwave 2002. Little Nog knocked out Luis Cane in the first round at UFC 106 on his promotional debut.
Shamrock Brothers
Way back at UFC 6, Ken became the first man to defeat Dan Severn in the Octagon. Frank’s battered Tito Ortiz into submission in the fourth round at UFC 22.
Hughes Brothers
Won the belt at UFC 34. Trapped in a triangle and almost out himself, he slammed Carlos Newton into unconsciousness. In his only UFC fight, Mark defeated Alex Stiebling.
Future
Rua Brothers
Ninja retired after getting knocked out by Tom Watson at BAMMA 6. Shogun remains a major player at 205lb.
Overeem Brothers
Both have recently been cut from the Strikeforce roster. Their futures were unclear at the time of going to press.
Emelianenko Brothers
Fedor fights demand attention with plenty of pay-days out there. Licensing problems in America have held up Alek’s career.
Diaz Brothers
Nick will challenge for the UFC welterweight crown. Nate’s losses stem from him being a slow starter. If he can solve this issue, he’d be a match for anyone.
Nogueira Brothers
Although both have had injury woes, it is hard to imagine either ever retiring.
Shamrock Brothers
Strikeforce threw Frank a retirement party last year. Despite some worrying losses, 47-year-old Ken continues to travel the world fighting.
Hughes Brothers
Matt fights on while Mark left the fight game to concentrate on his business interests.
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