In an increasing cynical world I believe in heroes. Heroes are not measured on physical speed or power or even technical prowess. They are measured on what they possess internally.
Last night The Minotaur, the second greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist in the sport's history was defeated and defeated badly. As a huge fan of his I was obviously saddened. It appears the years of toil and abuse have finally caught up with him. His feet were plodding, his head was stationary, his reflexes were delayed, and even his legendary cast iron chin appeared to fail him. He was frankly never in the fight. Unfortunately I believe his relevance at the highest competitive level is over.
As children we adopt heroes to reveal what it is to be a man. More often than not we adopt movie stars. Douglas Fairbanks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, and Clint Eastwood have been pillars of masculinity to generations. Or at least the characters they play.
Minotauro does not play a character. Scraping himself off the canvas after being pile driven on his neck into the mat by Bob Sapp was not in a script. Neither was when he did the same against Tim Sylvia. Neither was armbarring Mirko Cro Cop after being ripped with his left high kick. Neither was enduring the savage beating against Fedor until the final bell sounded. At any moment in these battles it would have been perfectly acceptable to say "I can't take anymore" or to try and shut things down and make it to decision. He never did.
His strengths are not tangible. Despite having great Jiu Jitsu skills and having a slick boxing game, his wrestling was always sub par and his muay thai game basically non existant. Not a power house or a speed demon. His strength lies in his heart and mind. He never gives up, he always looks for a way to win, he never accepts defeat. Humble in victory, gracious in defeat, and respectful to all.
Lesnar's strength and Evans' athleticsm are truely impressive, but in my books Nogueira's endless heart and iron will endure and are what legends are made of. I wish all current champions and would be legends well on their journy but they should know they have big shoes to fill.
So while it's sad he lost, let's all count ourselves fortunate we held witness to one of the greatest careers and stories in MMA history. We were there when he upset Mark Coleman, we were there when he outstruck Heath Herring for the Pride title, we were there when he fought so valiantly against Fedor, we were there when he snatched victory from the Jaws of defeat to win a new title agaist Tim Sylvia.
All in all I am proud to call Antonio Nogueria, one of the greatest Mixed Martial Artists of all time and an even greater man, my hero.
waveman - "the second greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist in the sport's history"
Correction. He is THE greatest. He was beating Fedor in their second fight (stopped due to Fedor's cut).
Who has Fedor beaten comparatively???
Fedor's beaten many of the same people Nog has, and Fedor beat him up for 40 minutes in the two fights they had that went to a conclusion.
I don't really see how even the most die hard Nog can say he was beating Fedor in the second fight. Prior to the clash of heads, it was a toss up as to who had an advantage.
Great post. Sadly time has caught him. He has been one of my favorites ever since I saw him triangle Big Daddy.
i will miss Minotauro. He is a true warrior. wanted to see him get the respect he deserves.
signed
co-signed.
Age catches up to everyone. Mino is a total class act and has a huge heart.
He is a legend, period.
Sadyv -
Fedor's beaten many of the same people Nog has, and Fedor beat him up for 40 minutes in the two fights they had that went to a conclusion.
I don't really see how even the most die hard Nog can say he was beating Fedor in the second fight. Prior to the clash of heads, it was a toss up as to who had an advantage.
Exactly, Fedor beat the living dogshit out of Nog and Nog never had him in trouble.
In the city, you must fight to survive!
Best ever. Mino gave me the most thrilling moments of any sport i ever watched.
My MMA era died last night. Guess i gotta be a Tuf Noob or a Brock Lover now.
Go Brock.
Tj
"We were there when he upset Mark Coleman, we were there when he outstruck Heath Herring for the Pride title, we were there when he fought so valiantly against Fedor, we were there when he snatched victory from the Jaws of defeat to win a new title agaist Tim Sylvia."
Yes, we were.
I remember telling people he was gonna tap Coleman and they said no way. I remeber seeing him in RINGS and he looked like a young man.
The guy was one of the few ICONS of the sport. They dont even seem human.
He fought everyone who is anyone during his time and ducked nobody.
There is a possibility that Nog isnt as done as we all fear,just had a real bad night,and he may be back.
That is how I am choosing to look at this situation.
One of the best ever. I too, hope this was just a bad showing and that the best is yet to come.
Great post...thanks for sharing
Good post TTT
"There is a possibility that Nog isnt as done as we all fear,just had a real bad night,and he may be back."
I know my shit when it comes to this sport and an athlete's body. How Nog is passing the medicals at this point is beyond me.
that was prolly one of the best posts that been on here in a long time..ttt for pretty boy brett and NOG!!
Obviously you are completely correct. Nog is a legend
Best ever, as far as I'm concerned.
