Big Nog details two surgeries, out for six months
mmallstars.com.br: How are you feeling at this point? Antonio Noguiera: I’m very calm, these things are normal in a professional…
mmallstars.com.br: How are you feeling at this point?
Antonio Noguiera: I’m very calm, these things are normal in a professional athlete’s life. Our trainings are just so intense plus the countless battles we go through…We’re liable to it! And I mean, it’s just another surgery…what won’t kill you, only makes you stronger!! The same way I concentrate during a training period, I’ll be really focused on my recovery!
mmallstars.com.br: What wounds will you be treating?
AN: I’ll be going under two surgeries, one on my hips and the other one on my knee. The surgery on my hip will be an arthroscopy, on my knee I’ll have to repair my ACL and the meniscus. These are old wounds that I’d have to treat at some point. They were compromising my speed, flexibility e explosion. I consulted a specialist and he put me against the wall saying Well, you can fight now, but we won’t be able to fix you up, do the surgery, go through the treatment, and I promise you, you’ll be kicking your opponents in the face in no time. I’d be fighting Mir with about 60% of my capacity, no doubt I would be in disadvantage.
mmallstars.com.br: What is the estimated time for your recovery?
AN: Considering both surgeries, give me six months and I’ll be standing in that octagon once again!
mmallstars.com.br: Have you assigned the dates for the surgeries?
AN: Yes I have. One will be on the US. The other one in Brazil, with specialists also, no doubt we’ll be using the best resources available, both doctors granted me that after the recovery I will be flying!!
mmallstars.com.br: This was a much anticipated fight as much for you as for your fans, what can you say about this second match up?
AN: At my first fight with Mir I was not ok, I was stubborn and had to pay for that! Mir is a fantastic athlete and deserves respect, he’s had some tough moments in his life, and he’s undoubtedly a winner! This second match up could be a double-edged sword, if the athlete is not able to separate heart from head, the chances of everything going to waste grow a lot! In my opinion going after a rematch has its limits. When they offered me this match, the whole plot was written in my head on a split second, If God is putting him on my way once again, I’ll be ready!! With that I’ve decided to fight only if I’m 100%!!
mmallstars.com.br: When you come back, how do you think the heavy-weight division will be like?
AN: God willing, with Junior as a champion!! We’re all working hard for that! He’s a terrific athlete and a great guy, he deserves that title more than anyone!! I’ll be back at 2011, which is just around the block, only 4 months before this year is over. One thing at a time, as always I want to fight with the best and get to that belt!