“Minotauro” Nogueira Undergoes Third Surgery, Hopes To Fight At UFC Brazilian Event

Former UFC heavyweight champion Antônio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira (32-6-1, 1NC) has been sitting on the sidelines for almost eleven months, having last stepped into the octagon on February 21st in Sydney, Australia against Cain Velasquez at UFC 110. It was a fight he’d lose, getting knocked out for the first time in his 40 fight career.
He had been scheduled to meet Frank Mir last September at UFC 119 but pulled out to have knee surgery.
Speaking to Tatame.com, the former PRIDE champ told them that he will undergo his third surgery in less than a month, having his knee and both hips repaired. “Minotauro” hopes that he’ll be recovered to fight in front of his countrymen when the UFC makes its return in August.
The UFC announced last month that it would return to Brazil since their first event took place back in October 1998 with UFC Ultimate Brazil.

How are your injuries?
I’m doing my third surgery within a month. There were three injuries that I had: my knee, my right hip and my left hip. I have these injuries for eight year, but about three years ago it started blocking me of training hard. I handled it, but I couldn’t do my last fight and really, if you can’t train 100%, you won’t do a good fight. I did these surgeries on the right time and I’m treating myself with the greatest hip doctor of the world, the guy guarantees I’ll be 100% for the second semester.
So, you want to fight again on the second semester of this year?
I want to fight on the second semester. If I can fight on UFC Rio it’ll be perfect, but if not I’m sure that in September I’ll be prepared to fight.
What are your current goals and plans for your career?
My next goal is UFC Rio and to be among the tops of UFC.