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[Noob]

Rumor: ‘Big Nog’ to make UFC debut against Brandon Vera?


Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (29-4-1) could face Brandon Vera (8-0) in his first bout inside the Octagon, according to Sam Caplan at FiveOuncesOfPain.com.
The moster addition of “Big Nog” to the UFC heavyweight class was just announced at UFC 69 on April 7.
Caplan warns that it’s a “total rumor,” but I feel compelled to pass it along because — if accurate — it’s such a juicy match up.
And, it seems well within the realm of possibility.
Here’s the entire snip:

“This is total rumor, but I’ve been hearing a lot of talk that Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s first UFC fight could be against Brandon Vera. Take that for what it’s worth. I’m trying to get some sort of official confirmation.”

With Randy Couture, Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic, Gabriel Gonzaga, Andrei Arlovski and Fabricio Werdum all tied up in the near future, there are few “big name” fighters available to fight the former PRIDE FC heavyweight champion.
In fact, the only other competitive option besides Vera is former UFC heavyweight titleholder Tim Sylvia.
Of course, the UFC can feed Nogueira a can or journeyman to build up name recognition among fans.
But a showdown with someone like Vera — a young and exciting fighter — would no doubt be a solid addition to any pay-per-view (PPV) card.
Vera has been on the shelf since November 2006 because of a contract dispute and it is still unclear if the issue has been resolved. However, he does have one fight remaining on his current deal.
“Minotauro” also last fought in late 2006, outpointing Josh Barnett on the judges scorecards at Pride: Shockwave on New Year’s Eve.
Here’s to hoping that we see this fight one day real soon.

[CHUCKtheCHAMP]

that would be a sick fight...i got nog by crazy subb...round 2

[TapOut27]

This will be a good matchup...big nog vs vera, or big nog vs sylvia, are actually the only ones i see possible. I hate it when fighters have to step down from competition to go back up, like crocop had to do.

[BigBanda]

Seems like a very likely opponent and Vera is completely available as well.

[Ramma]

Truth is, I think Nog will run through Sylvia, but I am biased because I hate Sylvia and like Nog. I would rather see him fight Vera

[Ramma]

P.S. Sylvia has got to be shitting himself.. He is never going to see that belt again lol

[NixHex]

This makes too much sense, instant credibility for Big Nog for the people unfamiliar with Pride. It's just a matter of time before Nog is champ.

[DW]

Nog vs Vera would be awesome and that would leave timmy to rematch Mir

[warrior06]

Sa-weet!

LOL Ramma

[CHUCKtheCHAMP]

Originally Posted by g'nightXX

This makes too much sense, instant credibility for Big Nog for the people unfamiliar with Pride. It's just a matter of time before Nog is champ.

ohh man i would love to see nog champ again..i just dont see how if cro cop is there...i know nog subbed him beofer but that was 2003 and cc ground subb d has come a long way...and nog was being dominated in that fight untill the takedown and armbar...

but damn id love to see nog vs cc 2 or nog vs aa or nog vs sylvia or nog vs couture...damn any of those would be cool..