UFC heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira underwent surgery to repair the
anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Tuesday, according to a
report by Globo.com.
The procedure took place in Rio de Janeiro and was conducted by Dr. Marco
Aurelio Sousa under the supervision of Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission
medical director Marcio Tannure. According to the report, the surgery was
successful. Rehabilitation is expected to take six months.
Nogueira last fought at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on April 11, when he was
knocked out by Roy Nelson 3:37 into the opening round of their featured
heavyweight encounter. Shortly thereafter, the Brazilian told MMAFighting.com
that he tore his ACL in training three days prior to facing “Big Country.”
Nogueira also suffered a partial tear in his lateral collateral ligament
leading up to the fight, but no surgery was necessary for that injury,
according to Globo.com.
“Minotauro” is 5-5 in the UFC, with all of his losses coming via knockout
or submission during that time. The former Pride Fighting Championships
titlist holds victories over Heath Herring, Tim Sylvia, Randy Couture,
Brendan Schaub and Dave Herman during his Octagon tenure.