Nogueira eyeing Lesnar next

Following his loss to Frank Mir at UFC 92 many were writing off former UFC and Pride heavyweight titleholder Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira, saying he had been through too many battles and was a weathered warrior.

The Brazilian proved his critics wrong by dismantling two-time UFC light heavyweight and three-time UFC heavyweight titleholder Randy "The Natural" Couture at UFC 102 by a decisive unanimous decision.

Nogueira put himself back into title contention with the win over Couture, and although expecting big name opponents, but willing to fight whoever, the 33-year-old Brazilian wants another shot at the UFC heavyweight crown.

"I like big fights like that. I'll be ready if they gave me a good opponent," Nogueira told MMAWeekly.com. "It would be my pleasure, but if they gave me a title shot, it would be awesome."

Brock Lesnar holds the UFC heavyweight belt, and asked how he matched up with him, Nogueira said, "A lot of jiu-jitsu and good standing up, make him tired man, move around, move around. When I get his timing, hit him with a good right hand and box him, box him and get him tired."

Nogueira sees his wealth of experience as an advantage in a possible bout with Lesnar. "I'm kind of calm. I can listen to my coach. I've been in there a long time. I can see what's going on," commented the Rio de Janeiro resident. "I have more experience than him. That's a big advantage I have.

"If he goes on the top into my guard, I can play with him," added Nogueira. "Let's see, let's see what is going to happen."