MMA legend Antonio Rogerio Nogueira believes it will only be a matter of “two or three years” before a Dubai-based fighter will be competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).
The 37-year-old opened his own gym in Dubai just six months ago but has already managed to attract a number of talented fighters who he believes will one day follow in his footsteps by competing in the hugely popular combat sport.
“We have some of the best coaches in the world at our facility in Dubai and I am confident that we will produce a fighter who will be ready for the UFC within two or three years,” said Nogueira.
“There are already a number of extremely talented fighters, but they are just a little way off toplevel. As soon as I think they are ready then they will take the UFC by storm.”
Nogueira, who headlines UFC Abu Dhabi on April 11 when he faces Roy Nelson, spends as much time as possible monitoring the next generation of fighters in his 24 gyms that house some 8,000 budding fighters.
He has personally handed out belts to more than 3,000 students and takes a great interest in how his protégés are progressing.
With some 450 members at his Dubai gym, he believes that a world-class talent will emerge and says that much of the credit must go to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has played an instrumental role in bringing Jiu Jitsu to the UAE.
Sheikh Tahnoon himself holds a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and has worked tirelessly in recent years to promote the martial art across the Gulf region.
In fact, the World Professional Jiu Jitsu Championships will be held in Abu Dhabi from April 15 and Nogueira is thrilled to see the sport gain so much exposure in the region.
“Sheikh Tahnoon has been fantastic,” says Nogueira. “He introduced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the Middle East and has brought over some of the finest coaches in the world to teach.
“Because of his passion it makes this country a very special place and I am determined to help a local fighter become a success.”
The UFC’s upcoming show in Abu Dhabi will be the first time that the company has put on an event in the region for more than four years and it is expected to be a huge success with more than 10 fights on the card.
Nogueira’s battle with Nelson could well be one of the fights of the night and the Brazilian is determined to put on a show for his UAE fans.
“I never take a backward step and neither does Nelson, so I can guarantee that this will be a great fight between two warriors,” said Nogueira.
“We will see how much he can take on the night, and I really want to put on a good show for the fans as I always receive such great support in the UAE.”
