UPDATE: "Li'l Nog'" Antonio Rogerio Nogueira Not Scratched from Bitetti...Yet

Light heavyweight “Minotoro” Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (15-3) is committed to fighting “Brazilian Killa” Alex Stiebling (19-10-1) at Bitetti Combat in Rio 12 September as of 4:30 PM EST Tuesday, according to Fighters.com’s sources close to the promotion.

Rogerio’s big bro’, Fighters.com’s fifth-ranked heavyweight “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1), announced on a media conference call Tuesday afternoon that Rogerio was close to a deal with the UFC.

MMA Junkie subsequently reported that Rogerio was scratched from his fight at Bitetti Combat. MMA Weekly later confirmed Rogerio has been scratched with Ed Soares, Rogerio’s American manager.

However, Fighters.com’s source said after the media conference call, “Rogerio confirmed to Amaury [Bitetti, promoter of Bitetti Combat] today his commitment to fight in the show.”

Bitetti knows about Rogerio’s negotiations with the UFC. Fighters.com’s source confided that organizers of the 12 September event in Rio are now nervous Rogerio could eventually renege on his commitment, but that as of this moment Rogerio is scheduled to fight Stiebling.

The truth is that both Ed Soares and Fighters.com’s source are legit. Soares is negotiating with the UFC in the US and saying what has to be said to secure a deal. But, Soares isn’t Rogerio’s only manager. Rogerio’s manager in Brazil is named Joinho. In Brazil, Rogerio is leaving open the option of fighting for Bitetti Combat in case a deal with the UFC isn’t reached. There’s a game being played.

The MMA Junkie headline included the phrase: “Sept. 12 Bitetti Combat fight canceled”, which Bitetti Combat organizers worry might confuse fans that the entire event is cancelled. Whether Li’l Nog’ fights 12 September or not, Fighters.com’s sources asked me to emphasize that the event is certainly on either way.

Fighters.com will update you as the story unfolds.