Nogueira’s Doctor Says Heavyweight ‘Perfect’ for UFC ‘Rio’

The procedures, combined with an 18-month layoff, have left many fans and pundits wondering in what condition “Minotauro” will return against Brendan Schaub on Aug. 27. According to the surgeon responsible for the UFC heavyweight’s hip operations, however, all is looking well for Nogueira’s homecoming at UFC 134.

“Everything is perfect,” Dr. Marc Philippon told Sherdog.com Tuesday during a visit to his patient in Rio de Janeiro. “I’m really happy and proud of his recovery.”

Philippon, one of the most respected arthroscopic specialists in the world and surgeon to numerous sports stars, revealed Tuesday that Nogueira is now ready to resume intensive training in preparation for his fight with Schaub. Nogueira noted that he will focus the first part of his camp on physical preparation and sparring, while simultaneously working with Dr. Angela Cortes on preventative physiotherapy.

Nogueira’s recovery from his second hip surgery has been a particularly speedy one. The Brazilian and his doctors ascribed this to the integrated and multidisciplinary work of the medical and rehabilitation teams, as well as the four-hour daily physical therapy sessions to which Nogueira has devoted himself since January.

Pictured: Dr. Angela Cortes, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Dr. Marc Philippon, Dr. Leandro Ejnisman.