Mike Chiappetta is reporting that UFC 119 finally has a co and main event. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will get his rematch with Frank Mir in the main event of UFC 119 while his twin brother, Rogerio, will face Ryan Bader in the co-main event.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Vs. Frank Mir Rematch Set For UFC 119 Main Event, Lil’ Nog Vs. Ryan Bader For Co-Main Event
Rodrigo is coming off a surprising KO loss to Cain Velasquez back in February while Mir looks to rebound off a similarly brutal knockout at the hands of Shane Carwin at UFC 116 in July. The two fought previously at UFC 92 for the interim heavyweight championship, with Mir taking a second round TKO victory. This was also the first time Nogueira had ever been stopped in thirty-seven professional fights.
After winning season eight of ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ Ryan Bader has improved on an undefeated record of 11-0 including four straight victories in the UFC, his most recent being a KO victory over Keith Jardine. Lil’ Nog will make his return after a very controversial decision win over Jason Brilz at UFC 114. Although 19-3 overall and 2-0 in the UFC, Nogueira needs a convincing victory here to maintain his status as an elite light-heavyweight in the UFC’s stacked 205lb division. The winner of this fight will garner some chatter of a title shot, while the loser will be knocked down a few pegs and be forced to climb back up a pretty steep slope.
(photo via MMAWeekly.com)
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