Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez Officially Headlines UFC 108 in January
The UFC officially announced on Tuesday that heavyweights Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cain Velasquez will headline UFC 108 on January 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Nogueira vs. Velasquez is a great matchup between the present and the future of the heavyweight division,” said UFC President Dana White. “Nogueira showed in the Couture fight that he still has plenty left to offer at the top level of the game, and Velasquez was devastating in his win over Ben Rothwell, so with both guys in top form, we’re definitely going to see a number one contender emerge from this fight to take on the winner of the Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin title fight.”
Nogueira, a former UFC interim heavyweight champion and PRIDE heavyweight champion, holds a record of 32-5-1 with 1 no contest. He recently battled UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 102 in August, winning by unanimous decision.
“I’m very excited to face an up-and-coming fighter such as Cain Velasquez,” Nogueira said. “I’m looking to get right back in the title picture. It will be interesting coming off that great win against a legend such as Randy Couture to now face a fighter who’s at the beginning of a promising career and who’s looking for that same success.”
Velasquez, who is currently undefeated a 8-0, is coming off an impressive second-round TKO victory over Ben Rothwell at UFC 104 in October.
“I am excited to fight a legend like Nogueira. He’s one of the fighters I watched growing up and admired – he’s definitely one of the greats, and a win over him is what I need to set me up for my shot at the title,” said Velasquez. “I have a lot respect for Noguiera and look forward to facing him in the Octagon.”
The UFC also officially announced a co-headlining light heavyweight fight between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva for the event.
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