UFC 119 features Pride FC veteran, Antonio Rogerio "Little Nog" Nogueira, and TUF 8 winner, Ryan "Darth" Bader, in the co-main event at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Sept. 25.
Since both fighters have their sights set on the UFC leight-heavyweight championship this bout will essentially determine who moves up on the ranking board and one step closer to a title shot.
Nogueira brings exactly twice as much experience than Bader to the octagon with 22 professional mixed martial arts bouts on his record that include 19 wins and two UFC fight bonuses. Bader, on the other hand, has twice as many UFC fights on his spotless 11-0 record and a ton of momentum.
While both fighters have proven to be extremely well rounded and explosive Bader has the age advantage at 27 as well as a strong wrestling pedigree as former college wrestler for ASU, three-time PAC 10 Champion and two-time D-1 All-American.
At 34 Nogueira is by far not an old man yet as his 7-bout win streak proves. Needless to say, he is determined to deal Bader his very first loss although he is keenly aware of Bader's skill set and fighting style thanks to his twin brother's coaching on TUF 8. In fact, this insider knowledge might turn out to be a huge advantage for the Brazilian. It should also be noted that Nogueira was the 2006 and 2007 Brazilian Super Heavyweight Boxing Champion which eliminates any doubts about his ability to trade punches with Bader.
This match has huge potential to turn into a slug fest and be over quickly since both fighters are powerful strikers who are looking for a knockout. If the bout goes to the ground it could turn into a grappling clinic or stale mate based on the fact that Nogueira as well as Bader have proven to be submission artists.
There is no doubt that Bader and Nogueira are very evenly matched, but in light of the recent trend of wrestlers dominating and outscoring the more traditional jiu jitsu aces (e.g. Frankie Edgar's defeat of BJ Penn -- twice!) the force seems to be with "Darth" Bader.
Predicted winner: Bader via decision.
Two preliminary bouts will air for free on Spike TV at 9 p.m ET/6 p.m PT while the main card will be available on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m ET/7 p.m PT. Assorted sports bars in the U.S. will provide a free PPV broadcast for their patrons. Find a sports bar with a free UFC 119 broadcast near you!
- UFC 119 tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.
- Complete UFC 119 fight card.
Comments
I totally agree with your pick. If Bader is not too reckless to trade with Nogueira's boxing and takes that fight to the ground he should outwrestle Lil' Nog and get the judges' favor on the scorecards.
Allan, I don't see Bader getting reckless. He usually times his avalanche of fists quite well as evident in his 11-0 record.
In a video interview for Fight Magazine he said:
"I'm gonna look to go in there and knock [Nogueira] out."
Maybe it's just hot air but if he does that, yes I think it's a bit reckless.
I'm sorry, but that statement does not imply recklessness. He only stated that he is looking for a KO. But so is Nogueira. Recklessness would be if he did not take Nogueira seriously as opponent. But in all his interviews he clearly stated his opponent's skills and strengths, and how he plans on overcoming them. Sounds like a well-thought out game plan, not hot air. Hot air would be making statements like Rampage when he was facing Evans and said he could just take him out with one punch. Or like James Toney who claimed to be able to KO Couture even while laying on his back.
Bader was confident enough to play the boxing game with Nogueira most of the fight but I have to admit that it was not recklessness but talent. He played equal game on the feet and scored some takedowns that gave him the edge on the scorecards. Well done.
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