Report: ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira Undergoes Successful ACL Surgery, Faces 6-Month Rehab

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UFC heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira underwent surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Tuesday, according to a report by Globo.com.

The procedure took place in Rio de Janeiro and was conducted by Dr. Marco Aurelio Sousa under the supervision of Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission medical director Marcio Tannure. According to the report, the surgery was successful. Rehabilitation is expected to take six months.

Nogueira last fought at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on April 11, when he was knocked out by Roy Nelson 3:37 into the opening round of their featured heavyweight encounter. Shortly thereafter, the Brazilian told MMAFighting.com that he tore his ACL in training three days prior to facing “Big Country.”

Nogueira also suffered a partial tear in his lateral collateral ligament leading up to the fight, but no surgery was necessary for that injury, according to Globo.com.

“Minotauro” is 5-5 in the UFC, with all of his losses coming via knockout or submission during that time. The former Pride Fighting Championships titlist holds victories over Heath Herring, Tim Sylvia, Randy Couture, Brendan Schaub and Dave Herman during his Octagon tenure.