Minotauro's Decline

When Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira hit the mat Saturday night in Sydney, Australia, in breathtaking fashion, it was much more than simply a notch in the loss column. The legendary Brazilian, once renowned for never having been stopped, be it by submission or T(KO), has now been stopped twice in his UFC career.

Many called Nogueira ‘washed up’ and finished when Frank Mir floored him in December 2008 in a massive upset, where Minotauro looked suspiciously slow and stiff as he was overwhelmed on the feet. After that bout, it was made known that Nogueira suffered a staph infection and spent time in the hospital in the weeks leading up to the fight. Some were quick to write it off as an excuse, but others thought it was a legit reason as to why the submission specialist was so sluggish.

Those same people seemed to have their claims validated when Nogeuira finally met Randy Couture in what was billed as a matchup of legends; in the weeks leading up to the fight, many were skeptical of the bout and thought it was simply a match beyond its’ expiration date. The doubters were proven wrong, however, when the two longtime veterans laid out an absolute classic for the fans, showcasing their heart and talent that suggested both men had plenty left in the tank. Though the fight was one for the ages for both men, Nogueira carried a clear-cut decision over “The Natural”.

However, with Cain Velasquez’s swift knockout of Nogueira Saturday night, it has become clear once more that the former PRIDE legend is in the twilight of his career. His chin, which at one time may as well have been steel plated, now seems worn; the man who was once legendary for his ability to soak up an unreal beating and turn the tables with a slick submission as he did in fights with Mirko Cro Cop and Tim Sylvia, can no longer seem to absorb the punishment he once could. This, coupled with Nogeuira noticeably being several steps slower, has seemingly brought his time as a contender to a screeching halt.

Take nothing away from Cain Velasquez. The Mexican-American wrestler is undefeated and with his wrestling pedigree and gradually improving striking ability, has an incredibly bright future that will one day lead to the UFC Heavyweight Title being strapped around his waist. Regardless of whether Nogueira’s chin is worn or not, Velasquez answered questions about his power by dominating Minotauro like no one has before.

In many ways, this fight was a passing of the torch. Nogueira will have more fights; the man has certainly earned the right to decide when he retires, and there are a few intriguing matchups left for him, one of which is a rematch with fellow PRIDE legend Mirko Cro Cop. Cain, on the other hand, will likely have a title shot in less than a year.

I would love nothing more than to be proven wrong about Nogueira. Should he turn around his career and wear gold again, I will happily eat crow. But saddled with this latest loss and the fact that the top half of the Heavyweight division is a veritable shark tank with powerful, heavy handed wrestlers, it would seem that Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s days as a champion and contender are over, and his career has precious few chapters left.

Ryan James