UFC 134 Fight Card: What Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira Must Do to Beat Brendan Schaub

Not many people are giving legendary Brazilian heavyweight Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira a chance against surging former professional football player Brendan "The Hybrid" Schaub.  But Nogueira has never been a fighter you could count out.

Many suspect it will be an easy fight for Schaub because the veteran Nogueira's physical condition has been highly suspect as of late and he might not have the athleticism to even frustrate Schaub's explosive arsenal.

With the right approach, however, this could be Nogueira's fight to win.

The secret? Patience.         

That might not sound especially revelatory as "Big Nog" is not exactly known for his aggression, but his best bet is probably to play it especially smart in this instance.

At least, in the stand up...

Nogueira may not have the kind of dynamite in his fists that Schaub does, but his technical boxing skills are very good.

After exchanges, if Schaub resets, Nogueira needs to reset too and not allow his pride make him anxious.

If he can stay on the outside and stay super sharp for at least a round-and-a-half, simply making contact with Schaub on occasion, Schaub might get antsy when he realizes he cannot dominate Nogueira in a straight boxing match.

When Schaub decides to mix things up it could be exactly when he falls into Nogueira's trap.

In the recent days building up to the fight, the media has noticed a bulkier Nogueira.  With hypothetically improved upper-body strength, Nogueira could surprise Schaub in the clinch.

Whether in the clinch or on the ground, that is when Nogueira needs to explode aggressively. 

As well rounded and promising as Schaub is, tangling with Rodrigo Nogueira is going to be super-mega danger-zone, bro.