Antonio Rogerio Nogueira: "I want to be champion."
by Jason Benfari on November 22, 2009

"Before the fight I could see he had good boxing. I figured I would use Jiu-Jitsu techniques, but changed plans. When the fight started I felt very fast and when I saw the opportunity come, I finished it. I won by knockout and I'm very happy. It's my first time here and I felt a lot of pressure. Everyone knows what the UFC is, but I have a good team -- good coaches, so I was really confident for this fight. That is why I fought well. I think I have a very good opportunity here [in the UFC]. I've been training a lot, been fighting a long time. I think I can compete with the top guys in the UFC. I'm very experienced and let's see what happens. I'm going to be here and I want to be champion." -Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

UFC light-heavyweight newcomer Antonio Rogerio Nogueria showed U.S. mixed martial arts fans why he was once considered to be the world's best 205-pound fighter.

The former world class boxer showed off his highly regarded striking skills last night at UFC 106 against a man considered by many to be the divisions best young prospect in fellow Brazilian Luis Cane.

The two stood toe-to-toe in the first round with Nogueira seeming to find a home for his jab at will. Toward the middle of the round Nogueira also found a home for his vaunted left cross as well, landing it on more than one occasion and eventually sending Cane to the canvas with a first-round TKO loss. 

With the win, Nogueira, who is the twin brother of noted UFC heavyweight legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, ups his overall MMA record to a sterling 18-3 and sets his sights on the divisions elite. He states that he wants the UFC's light-heavyweight title, but stopped short of agreeing to face current light-heavyweight champion and friend Lyoto Machida, classifying the fight as "difficult" due to their long standing friendship.

HOW WILL THE NICK DIAZ VS. CARLOS CONDIT FIGHT END AT UFC 143
Diaz def. Condit via TKO/KO
Diaz def. Condit via submission
Diaz def. Condit via decision
Condit def. Diaz via TKO/KO
Condit def. Diaz via submission
Condit def. Diaz via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!