The event takes place at Paulo Sarasate Gymnasium in Fortaleza, Brazil, and will also serve as the live finale of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” Season 2, which stars Nogueira and Werdum as coaches. In addition to the headliner, the show will see Erick Silva lock horns with John Hathaway in a battle of welterweight prospects.
Nogueira and Werdum previously met in 2006 under the Pride Fighting Championships banner in Japan, with “Minotauro” picking up a unanimous decision victory over “Vai Cavalo.” Nogueira joined the UFC in 2007, winning the organization’s interim heavyweight title the following year by submitting Tim Sylvia. Nearly four years later, Nogueira had his arm broken by a Frank Mir kimura at UFC 140 but returned to the cage last October to submit Dave Herman at UFC 153. That triumph marked the 21st career submission victory for the 36-year-old, who has been finished just three times in 43 pro outings.
Like Nogueira, Werdum also holds the rank of black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The 35-year-old submission ace returned to the UFC last year following a four-fight stint with Strikeforce, taking a unanimous decision win over Roy Nelson before finishing Mike Russow via technical knockout last June at UFC 147.
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