Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira aka Minotauro has fought both UFC heavyweight Champions Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum in the UFC, and he offered his thoughts on Saturday’s UFC 188 main event.
The MMA legend told journalists at UFC 190 media day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
“Cain Velasquez attacks more, and throws more punches and kicks. It’s hard to fight against him. He’s very athletic, you can see that from his fights with ‘Cigano’, but Werdum trains hard and is a great fighter.”
Werdum is a decorated grappler, but muay thai coach Rafael Cordeiro turned him into a dangerous striker as well. Coming off impressive wins over Mark Hunt and Travis Browne, “Vai Cavalo” might surprise Velasquez standing, says “Big Nog”.
“The way to beat Cain can be with knees,” he said. “He’s tall and has a big reach, so kicks and knees might be good, and stay away from the fence and Cain’s wrestling. The way to win is avoid the wrestling match, exactly how Cain killed ‘Cigano’. (But) Werdum has the advantage standing and on the ground.”
“The last time Velasquez was out so long was his first fight with ‘Cigano’, and ‘Cigano’ caught him,” Minotauro said. “It’s happening again this time, and that’s a factor.
