Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera
In a matchup to determine who gets the first crack at Brock Lesnar’s recently-captured UFC Heavyweight Title, former champion Frank Mir is set to face off with interim champion and former PRIDE champion Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera. Both men have world-renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and both have held at least a share of the UFC title, so this fight is sure to be extremely competitive. Mir +250 / Nogueira -325
Frank Mir captured the UFC Heavyweight Title in dramatic fashion, literally snapping Tim Sylvia’s arm in two pieces in one of the most gruesome sights in UFC History. His career was derailed, however, after a near-fatal motorcycle accident left his body shattered and his career future deeply in question. Since returning to action, Mir’s performance has steadily improved. After suffering a horribly one-sided loss to MMA newcomer Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz, Mir has shown some of his old form, especially in his last fight, where he weathered the violent storm of Brock Lesnar’s attack before securing a slick kneebar and the victory.
For his part, Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera would probably be considered the greatest Heavyweight of all time, were it not for Fedor Emelianenko. A world-class grappler with vastly underrated boxing, Noguiera can hold his own with any fighter in the world. Perhaps his most notable attribute, though, is his resilience. In his interim title fight with Tim Sylvia, Noguiera endured a vicious beating in the standup game before finally securing a takedown and quickly submitting the former champion.
The crux of this fight, in my opinion, will be the standup. Mir is good enough on the ground that Noguiera will probably not be able to catch him, and if Fedor couldn’t submit Noguiera during the two full fights they had, it is unlikely Mir will be able to finish him. Nogueira’s biggest advantage is that, for Mir to secure a takedown, he will have to make it through Noguier’a crisp and accurate jab.
Mir’s standup is awkward and poor, and in a fight that is evenly matched on the ground, that should make all the difference. Noguiera by unanimous decision.
