MMA News: Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueria leaves Brazilian Top Team

"Minotauro" won't train at BTT for his UFC debut. (Wikimedia Photo)

Mixed martial arts fighter and former Pride heavyweight champion, Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira (29-4-1) has left the Brazilian Top Team

According to graciefighter.com, “Minotauro” apparently left his team after a split arose between coaches Murilo Bustamante (14-6-1) and Mario Sperry (11-4-0). Nogueira will now head his own team as he prepares for his UFC debut against Heath Herring (27-12-1) at UFC 73 on July 7 in Sacramento, California.

The fight will be a rematch between the two. Nogueira defeated Herring in June of ’04 with an anaconda choke at Pride: Critical Countdown in Japan.

Herring has since fought twice in the UFC, losing his debut by unanimous decision to 22-year old wrestler Jake O’Brien (10-0-0) and defeating 6’7” giant Brad Imes (6-3-0) by unanimous decision at UFC 69 in Texas.

Full Card:

• Anderson Silva (18-4-0) vs. Nate Marquardt (28-6-1)
• Heath Herring (27-12-1) vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (29-4-1)
• Rashad Evans (15-0-0) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-5-0)
• Sean Sherk (35-2-1) vs. Hermes Franca (19-5-0)
• Kenny Florian (8-3-0) vs. Alvin Robinson (9-1-0)
• Stephan Bonnar (12-4-0) vs. Mike Nickels (5-1-0)
• TBD (0-0-0) vs. Chris Lytle (32-14-4)
• Jorge Gurgel (13-2-0) vs. Diego Saraiva (9-4-1)
• Mark Bocek (4-0-0) vs. Frank Edgar (6-0-0)

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