UFC
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira wants Rich Franklin in return from injury; expects to fight by June
Mar 17, 2012 - 10:35:37 PM

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is currently recovering from a knee injury suffered in training, a setback that took him out of a fight with Alexander Gustafsson next month on Fuel TV. He recently tweeted that he'd like to face Rich Franklin upon his return, and in an interview with Tatame.com this week, he explained why.

"We had a bout scheduled against him, I was supposed to fight him in the past and I already know what game plan to use against him," Nogueira said. "He’s a guy who likes to stand-up. It’ll be good. One left-handed fighting another left-handed is something good to see."

"It would be an excellent fight. I need a good fight. I need to keep the performance I had against Tito Ortiz. I owe it to people."

Nogueira says he'll be ready to return by June, and should Franklin be ready to go by then it would make for a solid bout in the UFC's light heavyweight division.

Penick's Analysis: This is the fight that makes the most sense for both Nogueira and Franklin right now, if Franklin is returning. He hasn't fought since February of last year, but if he is readying his time to come back, Nogueira would be a high level opponent and a big name. For Nogueira, Franklin represents the same, and it would make for a very solid fight if both are ready for it.