Nogueira vs Cane Likely For UFC 106

by Robert Sargent

Earlier today, it was reported that Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, twin brother of former UFC Interim and PRIDE Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, will make his long-awaited UFC debut at UFC 106 against feared striker Luiz Cane.

The bout is expected to be a part of the event's main card, which is headlined by a UFC Heavyweight Championship bout between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin.

While Rodrigo has enjoyed considerable success in the UFC since the demise of PRIDE in 2007, Rogerio has instead opted to continue to improve his boxing while also competing for other MMA promotions. Now 17-3-0, he has won five straight fights since his shocking knockout loss to Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at PRIDE 33 in February of 2007. All but one of those wins has come by stoppage and all have been against formidable competition.

Rogerio was expected to face former UFC and PRIDE veteran Alex Stiebling in Brazil in a rematch from their June 2004 bout, which Rogerio won by decision. However, that fight was cancelled when Rodrigo announced that his brother would be making his UFC debut soon. It appears as though that will happen, at long last, at UFC 106.

Cane (10-1-0, 1 NC) is anything but a pushover for Rogerio, however, and has won all but one of his fights by knockout or submission due to strikes. Cane's lone career defeat came in his UFC debut when he was disqualified for kneeing James Irvin in the head on the ground. The result was controversial and Cane felt that the fight should have continued.

Both fighters possess solid striking, though the edge in power goes to Cane. Rogerio holds an advantage in technique and has trained extensively with the Cuban National Boxing Team. Most feel that his striking is superior to that of his brother Rodrigo.

The fight could very well turn into a ground battle, as the Nogueira brothers are world-famous for their submission wizardry. Cane is very skilled on the ground as well, however, which could make for a very interesting fight. It is unlikely that the bout will go the distance.

UFC 106 takes place on November 21st at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.