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Fighter Profile: Roy "Big Country" Nelson

 

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Height: 6’0” Weight: 265

Age: 33

Record: 14-4



Roy “Big Country” Nelson is a mixed martial artist, formerly of the International Fight League and currently associated with the UFC. Nelson is a well rounded fighter, capable of winning the fight anywhere in the cage. He fights and trains out of his hometown of Las Vegas at the Lion’s Den.

“Big Country” is a five year veteran who debuted in California with the Rage on the River promotion. Nelson bested his opponents in each of his first six bouts, winning four via submissions. Late in 2006, Nelson suffered his first loss while participating in the Bodog Fight: Clash of the Nations event. Josh Curran, an inexperienced 1-0 fighter, upset Nelson with a unanimous decision at the St. Petersburg, Russia event.

In addition to Bodog Fight, Nelson would sign with the team-oriented International Fight League. In only his second IFL fight, Nelson would be dealt with his second career loss, losing to “Big” Ben Rothwell. However, “Big Country” bounced back by winning five straight IFL fights, including a December 2007 World Grand Prix Finals championship bout against Antoine Jaoude. He would defend his heavyweight title two more times, defeating Brad Imes and Fabiano Scherner via TKO’s in early 2008.

When the IFL folded in July of 2008, the organization's fighters went in many different directions. Nelson landed on an Elite XC: Heat card fighting former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei “Pit Bull” Arlovski. Arlovski used his one punch power and knocked Nelson completely out at the 3:14 mark in the 2nd round. Nelson’s chances at another heavyweight title were dashed upon losing to Arlovski.

 

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In his most recent action, Nelson went toe-to-toe with former UFC title contender, Jeff “Snowman” Monson on Roy Jones Jr.’s “March Badness” MMA/Boxing hybrid card. The “Snowman” outclassed Nelson on every level and was awarded the unanimous decision victory for his efforts. Nelson suffered back to back losses for the first time in his short career.

Despite his two straight losses, UFC officials liked what they saw in Nelson and offered him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 10 show. Going into the show Nelson will be listed as one of the front runners, considering his experience as well as his title run. Often criticized for his less than impressive physique, Nelson is also among the most athletic in the group of 16 fighters. His career could possibly gain new life with a solid showing in the tournament style event, which takes place beginning September 16th.

 

Recent Roy Nelson MMA News:

 

 

By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer
Published August 2009, Updated February 2010