Few fighters in the history of MMA have earned the sort of success and lasting respect that Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira has, after 40 fights and more than a decade in the ring. But at 34 years of age and a recent serious knee injury, how much more does the battle-scared warrior have left in his tank? 

In six months "Minotauro" plans to give fans a chance to find out.

Nogueira will be returning to action at a yet undetermined date following his knockout loss to Cain Velasquez at UFC 110, a loss that left some questioning "Minotauro's" continued relevance at the top of the heavyweight rankings. For now, despite the frustration of having to withdraw from a chance to avenge his 2008 loss to Frank Mir in a rematch that was scheduled for UFC 119, Nogueira's main focus is regaining his health.

"My recovery is excellent," Nogueira told Sherdog.com. "I've been doing physical therapy for a month. I am already walking without crutches, but it is a surgery that takes a while to heal, so I will need about five months to get back. I'm also doing a treatment on my hip. There were two injuries that I had a few years ago. I wanted to take care of them a while ago, but now I've decided to stop everything and treat them all at once. I'm taking care of myself. I think in six months I will be ready to fight."

Although no potential opponent for Nogueira has yet to be announced, "Minotauro" was glad to comment on the upcoming middleweight title showdown between two fellow Brazilians, champ Anderson Silva and challenger Vitor Belfort.

"I think it's a good matchup, and it will be exciting on the feet," said Nogueira. "They're two great guys. Anderson fights very well in the Octagon and handles his emotions during his fights better than Vitor. Belfort is super explosive and very dangerous, but I think Anderson is better. He is more consistent, more dangerous, and he has more experience in the Octagon. Anderson hasn't had a career as long as Vitor's, but he's shown more ring savvy since he's been with the UFC. Anderson is the more complete fighter."

Nogueira (32-6-1 1 NC) will be looking to bounce back from a slump that has seen him go 1-2 over his last three fights when he returns to the Octagon next spring.