With UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Nogueira vs Nelson fast approaching, Sport360 have decided to present you with the ultimate guide to the huge show at Yas Island.
To whet your appetite we have split all the information into three rounds that will explain everything you need to know about UFC, the fighters and what to expect from the show in the UAE's capital.
Round One: The Fighters
Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira
A giant of the sport, the number 11 ranked heavyweight will be squaring off against fan favorite Roy “Big Country” Nelson.
A veteran of Pride Fighting Championships, Nogueira developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission fighters in MMA as he became the first ever Pride heavyweight champion in 2001.
After transitioning to the UFC in 2007, he again reigned supreme as he wrested control of the UFC interim heavyweight title from Tim Sylvia at UFC 81 joining only Mark Coleman and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua as title holders in both Pride and the UFC.
Roy “Big Country” Nelson
When Roy “Big Country” Nelson won The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights tournament in 2009, big things were expected as rarely had a fighter combined such size and athleticism in one package.
Armed with heavy hands and a remarkable chin, Nelson stormed to four Knockout of the Night bonuses and wins over title contenders Brendan Schaub, Stefan Struve and Matt Mitrione.
Now the ninth ranked Nelson hopes to add another win to his account by taking on the always tough Nogueira and showing Abu Dhabi and the rest of the world that a title run is still in store for a man who has never been finished in the UFC.
Featherweight Fury
While both fighters in the co-main event may have made their name at lightweight, Clay Guida and Tatsuya Kawajiri have jumped down to 145lbs, opting to take advantage of the wide open division.
Guida (No. 9), with signature wins over current lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, Josh Thomson and Nate Diaz, brings a ferocious style into the Octagon that is epitomized in his epic fight of the year in 2009 against Diego Sanchez.
Looking to neutralize that energy, Kawajiri (No. 14) brings years of experience fighting the best in the world having taken his first professional fight in 2000.
Since then, he has fought for titles in three different promotions including Strikeforce. A win over Guida would certainly set him on the path for a fourth opportunity.
Round 2: UFC facts and figures
1. 5 hours, 28 minutes, 12 seconds – the longest total time spent in Octagon – by Georges St-Pierre
2. UFC’s top dogs, the Fertitta brothers, are trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Lorenzo has even sparred with a number of UFC fighters. The brothers’ trainer is former kickboxing instructor, boxer and UFC President Dana White.
3. 18 – the youngest fighter to compete in Octagon – Dan Lauzon.
4. The UFC’s fighter roster currently boasts athletes from all walks of life, including students, former police officers, IT professionals, ex-firemen, mental health specialists, a math tutor, mechanics, a chef and, until very recently, even a former anti-terrorist officer and former Member of the Croatian Parliament
5. 36:06 is the longest fight in UFC History – Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock II
6. UFC is actually safer than many other popular sports such as football, motor racing, rugby, horse racing, soccer, track and field and even cheerleading
7. 51 years is the age of the Oldest UFC Fighter to ever compete – Ron Van Clief
8. 84.5 inches is Jon Jones’ reach, the longest in UFC history, equaled by Stefan Struve
9. 7ft is Stefan Struve’s height, tallest fighter in UFC history and who will also make an appearance as a guest fighter in Abu Dhabi.
Round 3: TKO in the Capital
– UFC FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI: NOGUEIRA vs. NELSON is first of five live events UFC will be staged in the region over the next two years. •
– In 2010, UFC 112 saw Anderson Silva retain his middleweight title belt in Abu Dhabi against Demian Maia at UFC’s first foray into the Middle East.
– The du Arena is the only venue ever to have staged an outdoor fight for UFC.
– Here’s what Alexander Gustafsson, who fought at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, had to say about fighting outdoor in the Arabian heat: “Any fighter on the Abu Dhabi card should be ready for the heat, that was what surprised me the most. Not that I didn’t know it’s warm there but it’s such a different feeling fighting outdoors and feeling that heat. Beyond that however, fighting in Abu Dhabi was one of the most incredible experiences of my career.”
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