The heavyweight ex-champion of Pride Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira has made a change of scenery. After 32 fights on Japanese turf, the black belt from Brazilian Top Team signed a two-year contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, overseen by Dana White. The announcement was made by the big boss himself, in the octagon at UFC 69. Amidst much applause, the fighter took the mic and declared that he will go for the title, and show his Jiu-Jitsu to the fans.
The man from Bahia known by the nickname Mintotauro was the Pride heavyweight champion between 2001 and 2003. That same year, due to injuries suffered by his greatest rival Fedor Emelianenko, he regained the interim belt in a classic battle with Cro Cop, now also fighting at the UFC. Fedor would wear his belt once again after the final of the heavyweight GP, on December 31, 2004, after a judges decision. Minotauro was the protagonist of 21 fights at Pride, accumulating 17 wins and three losses, aside from the no contest against Fedor.
