Jose Aldo’s First WEC Opponent Alexandre Nogueira Comes Out Of Retirement at Age 47 for MMA Showdown
Veteran mixed martial artists Hatsu Hioki and “Pequeno” Alexandre Nogueira are set to face off in a bout that highlights the extensive careers of both fighters. The match, part of a gi-wearing MMA event under the ROMAN promotion, marks a moment for these seasoned competitors.
Alexandre Nogueira vs. Hatsu Hioki
Hatsu Hioki, 41, is a Japanese MMA icon with a career spanning over two decades. Known for his technical grappling, Hioki has competed in some of the sport’s most prestigious organizations, including the UFC and Pride. He remains a celebrated figure in Japanese MMA. He has had 43 professional bouts in his career and has not competed since 2018. Hioki made his debut in 2002.
His opponent, “Pequeno” Alexandre Nogueira, 47, is an iconic Brazilian fighter who is returning to Japan for the first time in 26 years. Nogueira’s career is even more storied, having been one of the early pioneers of MMA. He is perhaps best remembered as Jose Aldo’s first opponent in the WEC, a showing of his long-standing presence in the sport. He has 26 total matches and hasn’t fought since 2014. He made his professional debut in 1998.
On this match, Alexandre Nogueira said:
“A fight with one of Japan’s leading fighters, Hioki, and it’s also an MMA fight wearing a gi, respecting tradition. I think this is a battle of the essence of martial arts. Toward this match, I have devoted my whole body and soul in training.”
It will be a single round of 15 minutes. Both men bring decades of experience to the cage, making this matchup a celebration of their legacies. Two MMA veterans step into the spotlight once again.
