With his twin brother about to fight for the interim heavyweight title in the largest mixed-martial-arts promotion in the world, one has to wonder: Where the hell is Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (commonly known as Lil’ Nog)?
The light heavyweight has a solid resume, including wins over Kazuhiro Nakamura (two actually), Alistair Overeem, Kazushi Sakuraba, Dan Henderson, Guy Mezger and a hard-fought decision-loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua , which won fight of the year.
Minotoro’s last fight was back in February of 2007 at Pride 33: “Second Coming” and only lasted 23 seconds. Since getting knocked out by Rameau Sokoudjou, Minotoro has boxed in the super-heavyweight division at the Pan American Games, taking home the bronze medal, but hasn’t yet made a return to MMA.
Now he’s back.
The Brazilian signed a three-fight contract with Canada’s Hardcore Championship Fighting, back in September according to MMATKO.com.
On February 1—one night before his brother fights for the title and almost one year since his last MMA fight—Lil’ Nog will return to face off against Todd Gouwenberg in HCF.
HCF, which airs on theScore, has managed to scrape together a few recognizable fighters for the event: Aleksander Emelianenko, Renato “Babalu” Sobral, Joe “Diesel” Riggs, John Allesio, Sean Salmon and David “The Crow” Loiseau.
With no notable wins to his credit, this is a huge opportunity for Gouwenberg. The Canadian fighter will look to catapult himself into recognition in front of his countrymen (and women). Other than a paycheck, there doesn’t seem to be much to gain for Lil’ Nog.
Still, it could end up being a solid weekend for the Nogueira family.
Why in the world is he not in the UFC? Does the UFC not like to sign brothers or something. They arent even in the same weight class….it should be a no brainer having him fight in the UFC’s LightHeavyweight division. They are twins for crying out loud its like having a clone of Minaturo fighting at 205 lb.
The UFC could only be so lucky to start cloning there fighters and shipping them in other weight classes. In the case of noguerra, god has done all the work for you, not to mention Rogerio’s hands may even be better then Rodrigo’s.
What the hell is he doing fighting in a Canadian promotion, when his brother who has the same exact genetics, skill set, and work ethic is fighting for the UFC heavyweight championship?
I just don’t understand why he isn’t fighting the UFC. When they 1st signed Ridrigo, I was happy and I just figured actually signing Rogerio was just a fomality waiting to happen. Its been almost 9 months and No Rodrigo….WHY????
I agree with your comment. Rogerio “Minotouro” Nogueira does train very hard and all Americans can’t wait to meet him up close. Rogerio has a truly natural fighter’s ability and has his brother’s gens. We are missing the opportunity of seeing a great show. UFC could double their viewers by having such a unique feature of the twin fighters, collecting even new viewers by their curiostity for seeing something so unique…I know what I am talking about…UFC is loosing its time…Rodrigo Big Nog’ can only share the stage with one fighter: Rogerio “Minotouro” Nogueira, the America’s Lil’ Nog.
Best regards!!!
Jamile Nogueira