Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Frank Mir
You can check out the results of this and all the other matches from UFC 92 The Ultimate 2008 here.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is one of the best MMA fighters, unfortunately he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He has been the Pride Heavyweight Champion and is the current UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion. Nogueira only has four losses to go along with his thirty-one victories. He lost a split decision to Dan Henderson, which he later avenged. Nogueira also avenged another split decision loss to Josh Barnett. His other two losses are by decision to the man most people think is the best pound for pound fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko.
Frank Mir was on the fast track after he won the UFC Heavyweight Championship when he defeated Tim Sylvia. The now famous arm breaking at UFC 48 instantly made Mir a star. Unfortunately, while waiting for his next fight, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that severely damaged his leg. He went on to drop two out of his next three fights, losing by TKO. His last fight was against Brock Lesnar, which he won via knee bar.
After these two fighters finish their coaching duties on TUF, they will clash at UFC 92 Ultimate 2008 for the UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship. The winner will get to face Brock Lesnar to unify the UFC Heavyweight Titles. Nogueira and Mir are both great at Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, and have won most of their fights by submission.
Nogueira has legendary toughness, and has never been finished in a fight. All of Frank Mir's loses have come by way of TKO. Since both Mir and Nogueira are so well versed in submissions, this one could very come down to who has the best stand up. Nogueira will have a clean advantage when they are on their feet. He has an iron chin and some decent hands. Mir on the other hand, never looks that comfortable when standing. Mir will not be able to KO Nogueira. That leaves Nogueira as the winner by decision after three good rounds.
