Was it the scene, or is Antonio Minotauro Nogueira back?
A spirited effort by “Big Nog” allowed him to pick up a win over Brendan Schaub by knockout in the first round of UFC 134.
Nogueira, who had lost two of his last three by knockout, showed an improved chin against Schaub, taking some big punches early in the fight.
The longer the fight remained standing, the more it looked like it was just a matter of time before the Brazilian legend got knocked out by the rising American star.
Instead, Nogueira flashed some of his boxing and landing a big straight punch that stunned Schaub. From there, a flurry of fists flatlined Schaub and gave Nogeuira one of his biggest wins of his career, due to the fact he was fighting in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
I would debate that the loudest roar to come from that energized UFC 134 crowd came when Big Nog knocked out Schaub.
Now, the question for Nogeuira is what is next? Is he still a legit contender in a crowded heavyweight division.
I would personally like to see him square off with the likes or Frank Mir or Shane Carwin next.
A win over someone of that caliber puts him in line to be a top-5 member of the heavyweight division.
