The gruesome arm break of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira apparently looked (and sounded, according to referee Herb Dean) worse than the actual physical damage.

"Big Nog" was in Los Angeles, Calif., today, visiting with doctors to find out the best course of action to repair his mangled wing, which Frank Mir snapped with a kimura in the UFC 140 co main event this past weekend (Dec. 10, 2011) at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

And according to the Canadian Press, the mixed martial arts (MMA) legend will not require surgery even though the x-rays appeared to indicate otherwise. On the contrary, the Brazilian will "wear an adjustable plastic brace using an ultrasound device twice a day for 20 minutes."

That's great news for Nogueira, 35, who just returned to competition earlier this year after multiple surgeries to correct problems with his hip and knees. The report even indicates that Nogueira -- who was reportedly only hit with a two-month medical suspension by the Ontario Athletics Commission -- might be able to step back inside the Octagon in as few as nine months.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White, who has been tight-lipped about Nogueira's fight future, will more than likely have to agree to such an optimistic prognosis. Regardless, it's good to hear that the career of the former UFC interim and Pride FC heavyweight champion will not be cut short because of an injury sustained inside the cage.

For complete details on the fight between Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira click here. To watch the video highlights of the heavyweight clash click here.