Big Nog: I’ve had 22 surgeries, I’m broken
“I started my surgery career early, at 11 years old when I was hit by the truck. However, the last five years were more difficult. I had eight surgeries.”
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira withstood some of the fiercest punishment ever delivered in the sport. He never talked about it, until he took part in a roundtable discussion promoted by Dr. Marcio Tannure at the 2015 Rio Sports & Health conference in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 1.
I have done a total of 22 surgeries; I’m all broken, said a laughing Nogueira, as transcribed by Marcelo Alonso for Sherdog. I started my surgery career early, at 11 years old when I was hit by the truck. However, the last five years were more difficult. I had eight surgeries. I have 16 metal screws in my right arm, from the elbow to the shoulder, and they are extremely painful at the beginning of a training camp and also when the temperature changes. I also had a surgery on my left arm and two on my hips. Those four surgeries were pivotal in my decision to retire.
CABMMA medical director Dr. Tannure revealed that in his last fight Minotauro faced Roy Nelson with a torn knee ligament. The Brazilian lost via KO in the first.
When I arrived in Abu Dhabi for fight week, ‘Minotauro’ came to me and said, ‘Doctor, I was sparring yesterday when I heard a snap. I think something happened,’ said Dr. Tannure. This was three days before the fight, and he entered the Octagon barely able to walk. I told him that few human beings would be able to fight with such strong pain. This guy is definitely a cyborg.
UFC president Dana White gave Big Nog “The Talk” (and a job) or he likely would be fighting still.
