ANTONIO RODRIGO “MINOTAURO” NOGUEIRA

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MMA Record

25 - 3 - 1 (Win - Loss - Draw) ( 1 NC )

Biography

Born in the town of Vitoria da Conquista in Brazil, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira started training in Judo at the age of five. He was hit by a truck when he was ten, and fell into a coma for four days. As a result of the accident he has a large scar on his lower back. At the age of fourteen he was invited by a friend to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Ricardo de la Riva. He had earlier started training some boxing. In 1999 he was awarded with the black belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A few years after his MMA debut he started to train at the Brazilian Top Team.

PRIDE career

Nogueira's notable victories in Pride include wins over Mark Coleman, Gary Goodridge, Heath Herring, former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez, Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic, and Bob Sapp. His only losses in Pride came at the hands of the current champion, Judo and Sambo practitioner Fedor Emelianenko via judge's decision. A rematch (against Emelianenko) was held at Pride's Heavyweight Grand Prix 2004 tournament finals. The match ended early and was ruled a no contest after an accidental headbutt by Noguiera left Emelianenko badly cut. The two rematched once more at PRIDE's Shockwave 2004 event and Emelianenko again defeated Nogueira via judge's decision.
Career achievements
• Professional mixed martial arts
o RINGS Kings of Kings Tournament Champion (2001)
o PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion (2001-2003)
o PRIDE FC Interim Heavyweight Champion (2004)
o PRIDE FC Heavyweight Grand Prix 2004 finalist