controversial opinion: Antonio Nogueira would be a top level heavyweight today

[wrestlefan]

Really good boxing, great MMA bjj guard.... I think he would do well against the majority of the heavyweight division. Remember in his prime his chin was other worldly.

 

[Roop Holstry]

I don’t see this being controversial. Heavyweight is super shallow and Antonio is an all time great HW

 

[AmericanMMA]

Not controversial at all. There’s no question.

 

[Eiffel-sixtyFight]

Not controversial at all. There’s no question.

TS was asking a question.

 

[Lee_]

The only controversial opinion is the opinion that it is controversial in the first place. It isn't.

 

[beephin]

Big Nog would be a top 5 welterweight in 2021

 

[Croton]

Prime Nog would be top 10 today for sure.

 

[Lee_]

I don

TS was asking a question.

I don't see any questions posed, just an opinion, a controversial one (not).

 

[Iron Nick]

It depends on what rank warrants being called a "top heavyweight".
I see the fights go the following:

green = wins against
red = loses against
blue = not sure, can see it going either way/have no definite favorite
white = don't know enough about the fighter

(C) Stipe
#1 Ngannou
#2 Blaydes
#3 Rozenstruik
#4 Lewis
#5 Overeem
#6 Volkov
#7 Gane
#8 Abdurakhimov
#9 Sakai
#10 Oleinik

 

[JayE]

HW is extremely shallow, so obviously.

 

[13Seconds]

Nog never had strong takedowns and his boxing was decent. Not good enough to slip punches though.

Ngannou, Reem, Stipe and Gane would slughter him. He would probably outbox Blaydes, Lewis and Werdum. Volkov is a wildcard and Jarzinho... Yeah Nog probably does whatever he wants to him.

Nog top 5-7. Im not seeing how you could put Big Nog as a UFC HW champ after the Timmeh days.

 

[Slatersan]

Theres like 7 heavyweights in the ufc so big nog would be top ten easily.

 

[gono btw]

Nog never had strong takedowns and his boxing was decent. Not good enough to slip punches though.

Ngannou, Reem, Stipe and Gane would slughter him. He would probably outbox Blaydes, Lewis and Werdum. Volkov is a wildcard and Jarzinho... Yeah Nog probably does whatever he wants to him.

Nog top 5-7. Im not seeing how you could put Big Nog as a UFC HW champ after the Timmeh days.

You seem to really know what you´re talkin´about, mate...

 

[Sweater of AV]

Prime Big Nog was 15+ years ago and he was levels above today's HW division. He would be champion.

People shouldn't fall into the trap of recency bias.

 

[Post 2 Decision]

It depends on what rank warrants being called a "top heavyweight".
I see the fights go the following:

green = wins against
red = loses against
blue = not sure, can see it going either way/have no definite favorite
white = don't know enough about the fighter

(C) Stipe
#1 Ngannou
#2 Blaydes
#3 Rozenstruik
#4 Lewis
#5 Overeem
#6 Volkov
#7 Gane
#8 Abdurakhimov
#9 Sakai
#10 Oleinik

I agree

 

[TerrorTimmy]

At his best? Absolutely.

But he stayed around far too long unfortunately

 

[HHJ]

Duh

 

[TJ177]

Many people in this thread have no idea how much training, coaching, preparation and skill have increased in the last 15 years.

A 230 pound Nog with a 2005 Brazilian Top Team camp would be a lamb led to slaughter against any of the current top 10.

 

[Iron Nick]

I agree

I'm happy that the first response to this is a positive/agreeing one.
I've criticized Big Nog (relatively) often on Sherdog and since he's (understandably) a very beloved fighter, i always expect some backlash when not rating him as high as most/some others do.

 

[PlayboyMixx]

Big Nog is arguably the 2nd best HW of all time behind Fedor. I would definitely favor him to be champ in today's HW division, which outside of a few at the very top, is not very good at all.