Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is set to meet Ryan Bader in the main event of UFC Fight Night 100 Saturday night (November 19, 2016), as the 40 year old is arguably approaching the end of his career. ‘Little Nog’ claims he is still motivated by fighting the best of the best that the light heavyweight division has to offer, but is still undecided on the decision to walk away from the sport of MMA for good:
"What motivates me is to go in there and fight the best and fight well and still move up in this weight class," Nogueira told FOX Sports from Brazil when addressing his future. "I think it all depends on results and how I'm training and injuries. It really comes down to that. I still see him being very similar to what he was, maybe he's a little more confident on his feet," Nogueira said. "I still see him as the same guy to go for the takedown and try to keep the fight on the ground."
Nogueira is coming off of a spectacular first round knockout performance over Patrick Cummins at UFC 198 in May, earning his first win since his unanimous decision victory over Rashad Evans at UFC 156 in 2013.
He will be taking on a Bader who is coming off of a vicious second round knockout victory over Illir Latifi via flying knee in one of the most amazing knockouts of the year. Prior to his win over Latifi, Bader’s five fight win streak was snapped when he suffered a first round knockout loss to current title challenger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson in their main event clash at UFC on FOX 18 in January.
Bader and Nogueira will meet in the main event of UFC Fight Night 100 live on FS1, from the Ginásio do Ibirapuera arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 19, 2016.