Mirko Cro Cop Wants To Face Antonio 'Rodrigo' Nogueira At 'UFC: Rio'

Source: Fighter's Only

In another case of fighters taking matchmaking into their own hands, Pride FC veterans Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mirko Filipovic are doing their best to set up a rematch for this summer's landmark UFC: Rio card.

While Nogueira recovers from double hip and knee surgery, his boxing coach Luis Dorea is looking to set his charge up with a suitable comeback fight. In a recent interview with Tatame.com, Dorea called for that match to come against Filipovic.

"I would like so much to see a bout between Nogueira and 'Cro Cop,'" said Dorea. "If it is not in August, it could be in September, October... But it is definitely the one I would like to watch. I saw Cro Cop say he wanted to fight him. They're two legends, two names... It really would be very interesting for the MMA world."

Speaking with FightersOnly.com, "Cro Cop" responded to Dorea and let it be known that a second fight against "Big Nog" would be one that he would welcome.

"Yes I saw the comments made by Nogueira's boxing coach and I agree," said Filipovic. "I am ready to fight Nogueira any time, even in Brazil in August."

Noguiera and "Cro Cop" first met in 2003 at Pride Final Conflict 2003, where Nogueira defeated Filipovic via second round submission.

Noguiera last appeared in action at UFC 110 in February of 2010, where he lost to current champion Cain Velasquez via first round knockout. "Cro Cop" met a similar fate in his last appearance -- which came at UFC 128 last March against Brendan Schaub -- losing via third round knockout.