Big Nog has been on the receiving end of criticism as he has gotten older, suffering many injuries in training that have forced him out of numerous bouts. Despite that, and undergoing ACL surgery several weeks ago, Minotauro believes he still has what it takes to compete with the UFC’s elite. He spoke with MMAFighting.com to discuss his future in the sport:

“I had surgery four weeks ago, and I’m doing fine now,” Nogueira told MMAFighting.com. “ACL surgery takes at least five months to return to fighting. I’m doing physical therapy now. I know the limits of my body. I won’t get myself injured again. I can do other things. I ride bikes and work out every day, but I can’t train yet.”

“I don’t know yet,” he said of how many fights he has left in him, “but I still have what it takes. I will return next year. I have plans to be in shape and fight again, for sure. I want to recover first, and then I will see how I feel.”