By Guilherme Cruz

Photo Gene Blevins

With the end of Pride, a big part of its athletes went to UFC, but fans always asked themselves why Rogério “Minotouro” Nogueira didn’t follow his twin brother to the American organization. Two years and five victories later, the wait will finally be over, and the Brazilian will debut on UFC against his compatriot Luis “Banha” Cane, who has three victories on the show.

“We don’t know how it’s gonna be, fight is fight, we have to be trained for everything, as on the ground, boxing and muay thai... It’s gonna be good“, said Nogueira, who already defeated athletes like Dan Henderson, Alistair Overeem and Kazushi Sakuraba. “Cane is not naive, he won’t make a predictable game“, bets, ready to debut on November 21.

Another great name in the 205 pounds division, “Minotouro” is another Brazilian athlete among the best. “This category is very good, there are a lot of Brazilians, and now there’s one more. I’ll try to make a good presentation and show my value on this division“, Rogério said, exclusively to TATAME.com.

UNREACHABLE BELT FOR SIX MONTHS

With a victory on the debut, “Minotouro” can be the next in line for a title shot. “This fight is important and the guys will consider the winner as a possible contender“, Nogueira said. But the fighter doesn’t think about that. “I didn’t hear none of this, and Lyoto went under surgery now and might fight just in about six months“, said.

On the last fight for the belt, that took place in October 24, the controversial decision is still discussed by many, but Nogueira wants to stay out of it. “It was a big fight, really tough. It was a tight fight. If the guys gave it (to Lyoto), it isn’t me who’s gonna say it’s wrong“, finished the fighter.