| 28 August 2011
Despite holding the distinction as one of Brazil’s greatest fighters, recent times have been difficult for the former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Hip and knee injuries as well as a host of other nagging ailments caused by his many, many years fighting some of the best fighters ever to step into the realm of MMA have seen have caused Nogueira endure a losing streak. With whispers of his fall from grace rampant amongst the internet keyboard warriors and media types alike, Noguiera’s fight at UFC 134 against rising heavyweight contender Brendan Schuab carried a tremendous amount of pressure for the Brazilian legend.
Though, heading into the fight many felt that Schuab’s strength and athletic ability would be too much for the veteran fighter. How wrong we all were.
Empowered by the roar of his countrymen and motivated by the opportunity to fight in his native Brazil, Nogueira was able to survive an early assault from Schaub. Displaying his trademark penchant for absorbing inhuman amounts of punishment, Nogueira unleashed a two-punch combo that knocked Schaub loopy along the cage minutes into the opening round. Seizing the opportunity, Nogueira unloaded a volley of shots that put Schaub out for the night.
In the end, it was yet another watershed moment in the great career of Nogueira.
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