We have a winner in the "fight Big Nog in Brazil" sweepstakes and it's not Mirko Filipovic.
The honor instead goes to Brendan Schaub, who will take on Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 134: "Rio" on Aug. 27, 2011 at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
The UFC officially confirmed the long-speculated match-up earlier today.
It is, perhaps, unsurprising that Schaub would get awarded the fight against the old Pride dog considering he just pasted "Cro Cop" at UFC 128 on March 19.
To the victor go the spoils and that means a trip to the not-so-friendly confines of South America to further "The Hybrid's" growing reputation as the "legend killer" of MMA.
But can he really do away with the indomitable spirit of "Minotauro?" In his home land no less?
Antonio Nogueira will make his way to the Octagon with a clear disadvantage straight from the word go: he hasn't competed since a Feb. 2010 knockout loss to current UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez.
During his extended layoff, the Brazilian had multiple surgeries to correct issues with both his hips and his knees.
There were -- and still are -- questions regarding how healthy he truly is and if he'll ever get back to competing at the levels he once did. We're talking about a former champion here, one who's beaten some of the best fighters on the planet.
He's not being tasked with an easy fight in his return to the sport but he wouldn't have it any other way, right Maniacs?
UFC 134: "Rio" will feature Anderson Silva defending his middleweight strap against Yushin Okami, while Mauricio Rua will make his return for the first time since losing his light heavyweight title against Forrest Griffin.
Stick with MMAmania.com for more details on UFC 134 as they become available.