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

While the Brendan Schaub vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria UFC 134 bout is hardly the match of the century, it is still worth discussing nonetheless.

Nogueria's career accomplishments, which include a UFC Heavyweight belt, are numerous and well known, but the real "X-factor" is Brendan Schaub.

Schaub does come into this fight with a strong record at 8-1. However, none of these wins are over anyone of an elite caliber.

Conversely, Nogueria, in his last few performances, has failed to live up to his own legacy, sadly set on a course for an imminent retirement (despite claims that he is now fully healed).

Giving generous favor to the experience and proven toughness of Nogueria, the question becomes what Brendan Schaub must do to win this fight.

In his most recent battle with Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Schaub showed a need to tighten and broaden his stand-up skill set, despite displaying the power he possess in his strikes. The battle ended in the third round via KO.

Nogueria, however has shown to not have the "adamantium" jaw he once had. In his fights against Tim Sylvia and Fedor Emelianenko, Nogueria took untold amounts of abuse, but never once did he waiver in his pursuit of victory.

Recent battles have proven that the regenerative power of his jaw is a relic of the past. Nogueria has been brutally knocked out twice in his past three fights.

So the key to Schaub’s victory lies in the vintage strategy of “sprawl and brawl.”

While Nogueria enjoys a prodigious advantage on the ground, his stand-up and power are highly questionable (only 2 of Nogueria’s 32 victories have been via KO or TKO). One of the key tactics Schaub will need to employ is defending the expected takedown, which Schaub has proven he can successfully do.

In addition, and perhaps more importantly, he must take advantage of his youth (and speed), as well as his power and his abilities to stay calm and pick his shots.

If these tactics are adhered to, Schaub will defeat Noguiera, and his accolades will belong to Schaub. The former football player will have bested a legend in MMA, and will be on the way to becoming one himself.