Roy Nelson (fighter)

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Roy Nelson
Born (1976-07-24) July 24, 1976 (age 48)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Other names Big Country
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[1]
Weight 261 lb (118 kg; 18 st 9 lb)
Division Heavyweight
Reach 72.0 in (183 cm)[1]
Style Shaolin Kung Fu, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Team Country Club, Kings MMA
Trainer (Boxing) Jeff Mayweather, (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) Renzo Gracie
Rank Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie[2]
Black sash in Kung Fu[2]
Years active 2004 – present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total 32
Wins 20
By knockout 14
By submission 4
By decision 2
Losses 12
By knockout 2
By decision 10
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: October 5, 2010

Roy "Big Country" Nelson (born June 20, 1976)[3] is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), there holding a record of 20-11. He won Season 10 of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter. He was the first and the last IFL Heavyweight Champion, competing for Ken Shamrock's Nevada Lions, and has also fought for EliteXC and BodogFIGHT. As of December 21, 2015, he is #11 in official UFC Heavyweight rankings.[4] He holds notable wins over Brendan Schaub, Matt Mitrione, Cheick Kongo, Stefan Struve, Mirko Cro Cop and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Background

Nelson was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and attended Cimarron-Memorial High School, where he competed in wrestling, football, and baseball. Nelson began training in Shaolin Kung Fu when he was around 16 years old and also trained in Karate. Nelson worked briefly as a warehouse worker in 1999. Nelson originally began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under UFC veteran John Lewis in 2000 and four years later, Nelson began his own career in mixed martial arts. Nelson has been a long time student of Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Renzo Gracie, who granted him a black belt on August 26, 2009 and has competed at the Abu Dhabi Grappling Championships.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Nelson made his professional mixed martial arts debut at a tournament on April 17, 2004. Nelson won both of his fights, winning the Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament. Nelson compiled a record of 6-1 before being signed by the IFL.

IFL

As a member of Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den,[6] Nelson was asked to become a member of the IFL's Nevada Lions in 2007, and made his promotional debut at IFL: Oakland on January 19, 2007 against veteran Vince Lucero. Nelson won via TKO in the first round.

In the 2007 IFL World Grand Prix, Nelson became the Heavyweight Champion,[7] defeating Antoine Jaoude on December 29, 2007. Nelson successfully defended his title twice, before the IFL ceased operations.

Post-IFL

After the IFL ceased operations Nelson took a fight with EliteXC on 10 days' notice against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski. Roy Nelson lost via KO in the second round; however, controversy broke out over Nelson being stood up by the referee in the first round from side control, while staying active and working on a kimura.[8][9] He then went on to fight for Roy Jones Jr.'s Square Ring Promotions against Jeff Monson. This fight also ended in a controversial loss for Nelson. According to the TV commentators and most MMA media, Nelson won the bout. However, Monson was awarded a unanimous decision.[10][11]

The Ultimate Fighter

Nelson was one of the sixteen fighters in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.[12] He provided commentary on the show for multiple websites, including weekly Q&A sessions about each individual episode for USA Today's Fighting Stances[13] and a blog for SpikeTV.com.[14] In his first fight of the show, Nelson defeated former street-fighter Kimbo Slice via TKO stoppage in the second round with repeated punches to the head in the crucifix position.[15] The broadcast was the highest rated MMA show in U.S. history with a 3.7 rating. The fight itself had 6 million viewers.[16]

In the quarterfinals, Nelson defeated Justin Wren in a two-round majority decision. In the semifinals, Nelson defeated James McSweeney via strikes in the first round again utilizing the crucifix position. He defeated Brendan Schaub at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale to become the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights. In the finale, Nelson knocked out Schaub at 3:45 into the first round with a right hook to Schaub's left temple and then hit Schaub on the ground with one punch to the face before the referee pulled Nelson off Schaub. With the win, Nelson earned a six-figure contract with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In his first fight since The Ultimate Fighter Finale, Nelson knocked out Stefan Struve after 39 seconds in the first round at the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 21 on March 31, 2010,[17][18] winning his second straight Knockout of the Night Bonus.[18] Nelson was scheduled to fight Cheick Kongo, though the bout was cancelled after Kongo withdrew.[19] Nelson instead faced Junior dos Santos at UFC 117[20] in a bout to determine the #1 contender (after Cain Velasquez) to the UFC Heavyweight title.[21] Nelson lost by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27), but was able to withstand the varied attacks of dos Santos, becoming the first man to take dos Santos to a decision.[22] Nelson was scheduled to face Shane Carwin at UFC 125.[23] Carwin, however, had to pull out of the fight due to a back injury. Nelson was pulled off the card altogether.[24]

On November 14, 2010, UFC President Dana White announced that Nelson's UFC career would be on hold due to Nelson being contractually bound to another fight promotion. White declined to specifically name the promotion, but sources close to Nelson confirmed that Roy Jones Jr.'s Square Ring Promotions claimed to have Nelson tied down.[25] Nelson stated on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani that this is old news and that he is still able to fight in the UFC with no problems.[26]

Nelson faced Frank Mir on May 28, 2011 at UFC 130 and lost by unanimous decision. UFC president Dana White criticized Nelson's performance after the fight for Nelson's lack of conditioning. Nelson blamed a bout with the flu for his poor performance.[27] Nelson indicated that he has plans of cutting weight and fighting in the Light Heavyweight division at some point in the future.[28]

Nelson faced Mirko Filipović on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137 and won by TKO in the third round.[29]

Nelson next fought the returning Fabrício Werdum at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012.[30] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. The back and forth action earned Fight of the Night honors.

Nelson was scheduled to face Antônio Silva on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146, but Silva was moved up to fight Cain Velasquez.[31] Nelson was then briefly expected to face Gabriel Gonzaga.[32] However, Gonzaga himself was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Dave Herman,[33] who Nelson knocked out in 51 seconds. He earned Knockout of the Night honors due to his performance. Joe Rogan said on the live broadcast that "When [Herman] sat down on his ass, he had no idea where he was".[34]

It was announced on July 12, 2012 that Nelson would be coaching on the show, The Ultimate Fighter, against fellow heavyweight Shane Carwin,[35] with the two expected to face each other on December 15, 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.[36] On November 14, it was announced that Shane Carwin injured his knee and wouldn't be able to fight. On November 15, it was reported that Nelson would face Matt Mitrione at the TUF 16 Finale.[37] Nelson defeated Mitrione via first round TKO.

Nelson faced Cheick Kongo on April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.[38] Nelson won the fight by knockout at 2:03 of the first round. The win also won him his fourth Knockout of the Night bonus award.

Nelson faced Stipe Miocic on June 15, 2013 at UFC 161.[39] Miocic defeated Nelson via unanimous decision. There was speculation about his MMA future because his contract was expiring, but Nelson renewed it soon after.

Nelson faced Daniel Cormier on October 19, 2013 at UFC 166.[40] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nelson faced Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira on April 11, 2014 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 39.[41] After dropping Nogueira several times with punches in the first round, Nelson finished the fight via knockout with an overhand right.[42][43] The win also earned Nelson his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[44] Nelson broke his right hand during the fight for which he required surgery in order to repair.[45]

Nelson next faced Mark Hunt on September 20, 2014 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 52.[46] Nelson lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

Nelson faced Alistair Overeem on March 14, 2015 at UFC 185.[47] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

After working as a coach on Road to UFC Japan, Nelson faced Josh Barnett on September 27, 2015 in the main event at UFC Fight Night 75.[48] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nelson is expected to face Jared Rosholt on February 6, 2016 at UFC 196.[49]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Submission grappling

  • Abu Dhabi Combat Club
    • 2003 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships Quarterfinalist
  • Grapplers Quest
    • 2003 Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 20–12 Josh Barnett Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson September 27, 2015 5 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Loss 20–11 Alistair Overeem Decision (unanimous) UFC 185 March 14, 2015 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 20–10 Mark Hunt KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Nelson September 20, 2014 2 3:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 20–9 Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson April 11, 2014 1 3:37 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Performance of the Night.
Loss 19–9 Daniel Cormier Decision (unanimous) UFC 166 October 19, 2013 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 19–8 Stipe Miocic Decision (unanimous) UFC 161 June 15, 2013 3 5:00 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Win 19–7 Cheick Kongo KO (punches) UFC 159 April 27, 2013 1 2:03 Newark, New Jersey, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 18–7 Matt Mitrione TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale December 15, 2012 1 2:58 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–7 Dave Herman KO (punch) UFC 146 May 26, 2012 1 0:51 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 16–7 Fabrício Werdum Decision (unanimous) UFC 143 February 4, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 16–6 Mirko Filipović TKO (punches) UFC 137 October 29, 2011 3 1:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 15–6 Frank Mir Decision (unanimous) UFC 130 May 28, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 15–5 Junior dos Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC 117 August 7, 2010 3 5:00 Oakland, California, United States
Win 15–4 Stefan Struve TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi March 31, 2010 1 0:39 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 14–4 Brendan Schaub KO (punch) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale December 5, 2009 1 3:45 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the The Ultimate Fighter 10. Knockout of the Night.
Loss 13–4 Jeff Monson Decision (unanimous) SRP: March Badness March 21, 2009 3 5:00 Pensacola, Florida, United States
Loss 13–3 Andrei Arlovski KO (punch) EliteXC: Heat October 4, 2008 2 3:14 Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win 13–2 Brad Imes KO (punch) IFL: Connecticut May 16, 2008 1 3:55 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Defended the IFL Heavyweight Championship.
Win 12–2 Fabiano Scherner TKO (punches) IFL: Las Vegas February 29, 2008 1 3:20 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the IFL Heavyweight Championship.
Win 11–2 Antoine Jaoude KO (punch) IFL: World Grand Prix Finals December 29, 2007 2 0:22 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Won the IFL Heavyweight Championship.
Win 10–2 Bryan Vetell TKO (punches) IFL: World Grand Prix Semifinals November 3, 2007 3 1:01 Chicago, Illinois, United States IFL 2007 Heavyweight GP Semifinal.
Win 9–2 Shane Ott Decision (unanimous) IFL: Las Vegas June 16, 2007 3 4:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–2 Ben Rothwell Decision (split) IFL: Moline April 7, 2007 3 4:00 Moline, Illinois, United States
Win 8–1 Mario Rinaldi TKO (punches) BodogFIGHT: Costa Rica Combat February 17, 2007 1 2:38 San José, Costa Rica
Win 7–1 Vince Lucero TKO (punches) IFL: Oakland January 19, 2007 1 1:55 Oakland, California, United States
Loss 6–1 Josh Curran Decision (unanimous) BodogFIGHT: Clash of Nations December 16, 2006 3 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 6–0 Jerome Smith Submission (arm-triangle choke) FightForce: Butte Brawl 2 July 22, 2006 1 4:13 Butte, Montana, United States
Win 5–0 Jason Godsey Submission (rear-naked choke) FightForce: Butte Brawl 1 May 6, 2006 1 4:42 Butte, Montana, United States
Win 4–0 Michael Buchkovich Submission (rear-naked choke) World Extreme Fighting 17 April 1, 2006 1 0:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 3–0 Ray Seraile Submission (punches) PXC 3: Return of the Enforcer August 28, 2004 2 3:41 Mangilao, Guam
Win 2–0 Jerry Vrbanovic Decision (split) Rage on the River April 17, 2004 3 3:00 Redding, California, United States Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Final.
Win 1–0 Bo Cantrell Submission (hammerlock) Rage on the River April 17, 2004 3 2:52 Redding, California, United States Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal.

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3–0 James McSweeney TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights 1 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Semi-finals.
Win 2–0 Justin Wren Decision (majority) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights 2 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Quarter-finals.
Win 1–0 Kimbo Slice TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights June 10, 2009 2 2:01 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Preliminary bout.

See also

References

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External links

New championship 1st IFL Heavyweight Champion
December 29, 2007 – July 31, 2008		 Succeeded by
IFL ceased operations
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