Report: ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira, Fabricio Werdum to Serve as ‘TUF: Brazil 2’ Coaches

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Pride Fighting Championships veterans Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Fabricio Werdum will serve as coaches on the second season of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil,” according to a report from GloboEsporte.com.

Verbal agreements are reportedly in place between the fighters, which would result in the two squaring off in a rematch after the season’s run, though no official word has come from the promotion on the matter. The heavyweights initially met at Pride’s Critical Countdown Absolute in 2006, with “Minotauro” earning a unanimous decision victory.

Since that loss, Werdum has competed for both the UFC and Strikeforce, besting Roy Nelson and Mike Russow in the Octagon earlier this year. “Vai Cavalo” made an appearance during the inaugural season of “TUF: Brazil,” serving as Wanderlei Silva’s jiu-jitsu coach. After UFC 153 in Rio de Janeiro, Werdum spoke with Sherdog.com about the rumors of his possible participation in the second season of the reality series.

“I know there is speculation, and I would be delighted, with all due respect to ‘Minotauro,’” said Werdum. “It would be really cool to do. I participated as jiu-jitsu coach on Wanderlei’s team, and it was a unique experience. If the opportunity comes, I would be very happy.”

After besting Werdum, Nogueira went on to capture the UFC interim heavyweight championship by submitting Tim Sylvia in 2008. Nogueira famously had his arm broken by a Frank Mir kimura last December at UFC 140, but nevertheless returned to the Octagon on Oct. 13 to submit Dave Herman at UFC 153. “Minotauro” previously captained a squad opposite Mir on “TUF 8” in 2008.

The second season of “TUF: Brazil” will likely feature welterweight competitors and is expected to debut in March on Brazilian television.