# Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira ("Big Nog")

> Brazil

## Overview

**Name:** Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

**Nickname:** Big Nog

**Nationality:** Brazil


## Bio

A survivor of a near-fatal childhood accident that left him in a coma and cost him part of his back muscles, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira became the most decorated heavyweight in MMA history while holding a black belt from Ricardo De La Riva. Trained first under Guilherme Assad before linking with the Carlson Gracie team, “Big Nog” earned his black belt in 1999 and carried his guard-heavy game into Pride, where he won the heavyweight title against Heath Herring and defended it until falling to Fedor Emilianenko. He later captured UFC interim gold by submitting Tim Sylvia with a guillotine, cementing his reputation as a submission specialist who could survive any war.
## Achievements

- Pan American Champion (1999 brown – weight & absolute)
- Brazilian National Champion (1996 blue – absolute, brown)
- World Silver Medallist (1997 purple)
- World Bronze Medallist (1999 black)
- Pan American Bronze Medallist (1999 absolute)
- Brazilian National Bronze Medallist (1997 purple)

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**Last Updated:** September 05, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/antonio-rodrigo-nogueira)