Roy Nelson (fighter)

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Roy Nelson
Born (1976-06-20) June 20, 1976 (age 36)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Other names Big Country
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight 258 lb (117 kg; 18 st 6 lb)
Division Heavyweight
Reach 73 in (185 cm)
Style Boxing, Shaolin Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Team Country Club
Trainer (Boxing) Skipper Kelp, (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) Renzo Gracie
Rank Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Black belt in Roi Kan Do
Years active 2000 – present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total 26
Wins 19
By knockout 12
By submission 5
By decision 2
Losses 7
By knockout 1
By decision 6
Occupation MMA Fighter
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: October 5, 2010

Roy Nelson (born June 20, 1976)[1] is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He won Season 10 of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter. The September 30, 2009 broadcast of his fight against Kimbo Slice, officially an exhibition, is the 2nd most-watched MMA match in U.S. history.[2] He was also the last International Fight League Heavyweight Champion. Nelson started off his martial arts training in Shaolin Kung Fu for a number of years and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie. [3]

Contents

Mixed martial arts career [edit]

Roy Nelson has been a long time student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Renzo Gracie, who granted him a Black Belt on August 26, 2009.[3] Nelson has competed at the Abu Dhabi Grappling Championships (ADCC) and has trained with some of the world's best fighters including UFC's Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, Ricco Rodriguez and Ken Shamrock.[4]

As a member of Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den,[4] he was asked to become a member of the IFL's Nevada Lions in 2007. In the 2007 IFL World Grand Prix, Nelson became the league's first ever heavyweight champion,[5] defeating Antoine Jaoude on December 29, 2007. Nelson successfully defended his title twice, before the IFL ceased operations.

After the IFL ceased operations Nelson took a fight with EliteXC on 10 days' notice against former UFC 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.[6][7] 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 Jeff Monson was awarded a unanimous decision.[8][9]

The Ultimate Fighter [edit]

Roy "Big Country" Nelson was one of the sixteen fighters in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.[10] He provided commentary on the show for multiple websites, including weekly Q&A sessions about each individual episode for USA Today's Fighting Stances[11] and a blog for SpikeTV.com.[12] 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.[13] The broadcast was the highest rated MMA show in U.S. history with a 3.7 rating. The fight itself had 6 million viewers.[2]

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 [edit]

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,[14][15] winning his second straight Knockout of the Night Bonus.[15] Nelson was scheduled to fight Cheick Kongo, though the bout was cancelled after Kongo withdrew.[16] Nelson instead faced Junior dos Santos at UFC 117[17] in a bout to determine the #1 contender (after Cain Velasquez) to the UFC Heavyweight title.[18] 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.[19] Nelson was scheduled to face Shane Carwin at UFC 125.[20] Carwin, however, had to pull out of the fight due to a back injury. Nelson was pulled off the card altogether.[21]

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.[22] 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.[23]

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.[24] Nelson indicated that he has plans of cutting weight and fighting in the light heavyweight division at some point in the future.[25]

Nelson faced PRIDE FC legend Mirko Filipović on October 29, 2011 at UFC 137 and won by TKO in the 3rd Round.[26]

Nelson next fought the returning Fabricio Werdum at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012.[27] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. The back and forth action earned Fight of the Night honors.

Nelson was scheduled to face Antonio Silva on May 26, 2012 at UFC 146, but Silva was moved up to fight Cain Velasquez.[28] Nelson was then briefly expected to face Gabriel Gonzaga.[29] However, Gonzaga himself was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Dave Herman,[30] 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".[31]

It was announced on July 12, 2012 that Nelson would be coaching on the show, The Ultimate Fighter, against fellow heavyweight Shane Carwin,[32] with the two expected to face each other on December 15, 2012 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.[33] 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.[34] Nelson defeated Mitrione via first round TKO.

Nelson faced Cheick Kongo on April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.[35] 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 is expected to face Stipe Miocic on June 15, 2013 at UFC 161. [36]

Personal life [edit]

Nelson has a wife named Jessy Nelson. Nelson attended Cimarron Memorial High School, where he played football, baseball, and wrestled. Before he was a professional fighter, he worked in before and after school programs with children and was also a substitute teacher.[37]

Championships and accomplishments [edit]

Mixed martial arts [edit]

  • Rage on the River
    • Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Winner

Submission grappling [edit]

  • Grapplers Quest
    • 2003 Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion

Mixed martial arts record [edit]

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 19-7 Cheick Kongo KO (punches) UFC 159 02013-04-27April 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 02012-12-15December 15, 2012 1 2:58 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–7 Dave Herman KO (punch) UFC 146 02012-05-26May 26, 2012 1 0:51 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night
Loss 16–7 Fabricio Werdum Decision (unanimous) UFC 143 02012-02-04February 4, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night
Win 16–6 Mirko Filipović TKO (punches) UFC 137 02011-10-29October 29, 2011 3 1:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 15–6 Frank Mir Decision (unanimous) UFC 130 02011-05-28May 28, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 15–5 Junior dos Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC 117 02010-08-07August 7, 2010 3 5:00 Oakland, California, United States
Win 15–4 Stefan Struve TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi 02010-03-31March 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 02009-12-05December 5, 2009 1 3:45 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the TUF 10 tournament. Knockout of the Night
Loss 13–4 Jeff Monson Decision (unanimous) SRP: March Badness 02009-03-21March 21, 2009 3 5:00 Pensacola, Florida, United States
Loss 13–3 Andrei Arlovski KO (punch) EliteXC: Heat 02008-10-04October 4, 2008 2 3:14 Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win 13–2 Brad Imes KO (punches) IFL: Connecticut 02008-05-16May 16, 2008 1 2:55 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Defended IFL Heavyweight Championship
Win 12–2 Fabiano Scherner TKO (punches) IFL: Las Vegas 02008-02-29February 29, 2008 1 3:20 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended IFL Heavyweight Championship
Win 11–2 Antoine Jaoude KO (punch) IFL: World Grand Prix Finals 02007-12-29December 29, 2007 2 0:22 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States IFL 2007 Heavyweight Grand Prix Final; Won IFL Heavyweight Championship
Win 10–2 Bryan Vetell TKO (punches) IFL: World Grand Prix Semifinals 02007-11-03November 3, 2007 3 1:01 Chicago, Illinois, United States IFL 2007 Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal
Win 9–2 Shane Ott Decision (unanimous) IFL: Las Vegas 02007-06-16June 16, 2007 3 4:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–2 Ben Rothwell Decision (split) IFL: Moline 02007-04-07April 7, 2007 3 4:00 Moline, Illinois, United States
Win 8–1 Mario Rinaldi TKO (punches) BodogFIGHT: Costa Rica Combat 02007-02-17February 17, 2007 1 2:38 Costa Rica
Win 7–1 Vince Lucero TKO (punches) IFL: Oakland 02007-01-19January 19, 2007 1 1:55 Oakland, California, United States
Loss 6–1 Josh Curran Decision (unanimous) BodogFIGHT: Clash of the Nations 02006-12-16December 16, 2006 3 5:00 Saint Petersburg, Russia
Win 6–0 Jerome Smith Submission (arm-triangle choke) FightForce: Butte Brawl 2 02006-07-22July 22, 2006 1 4:13 Butte, Montana, United States
Win 5–0 Jason Godsey Submission (rear-naked choke) FightForce: Butte Brawl 1 02006-05-06May 6, 2006 1 4:42 Butte, Montana, United States
Win 4–0 Michael Buchkovich Submission (rear-naked choke) World Extreme Fighting 17 02006-04-01April 1, 2006 1 0:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 3–0 Ray Seraile Submission (punches) PXC 3: Return of the Enforcer 02004-08-28August 28, 2004 2 3:41 Mangilao, Guam
Win 2–0 Jerry Vrbanovic Decision (split) Rage on the River 02004-04-17April 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 02004-04-17April 17, 2004 3 2:52 Redding, California, United States Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal

Mixed martial arts exhibition record [edit]

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 02009-06-10June 10, 2009 2 2:01 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Preliminary bout

References [edit]

  1. ^ "Roy Nelson". ESPN.GO.COM. 2010-06-22. Retrieved 2010-06-22. 
  2. ^ a b Wrestling Observer Newsletter, October 12, 2009 issue
  3. ^ a b http://www.renzogracie.com/content/view/269/74/
  4. ^ a b "Roy "Big Country" Nelson Profile". Kenshamrock.com. 2010-12-30. Retrieved 2010-12-30. 
  5. ^ "Flashback to 2003: Roy Nelson beats Frank Mir, Brandon Vera, and Diego Sanchez to be crowned Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion". Grapplersquest.com. 2010-01-18. Retrieved 2010-12-30. 
  6. ^ "Roy Nelson Interview". www.octagonbuzz.com. 2008-10-09. 
  7. ^ "MMANews.com Exclusive: Interview With Roy Nelson". www.mmanews.com. 2008-10-08. 
  8. ^ "Monson takes an odd decision from Nelson". sports.yahoo.com. 2009-03-22. 
  9. ^ "Monson earns controversial win, Lashley smothers Guida at "March Badness"". mmajunkie.com. 2009-03-22. 
  10. ^ http://mmamadness.com/insight/news/3936
  11. ^ "TUF's Nelson dishes on Episode 1". Usatoday.com. 2009-09-16. Retrieved 2010-12-30. 
  12. ^ "Roy Nelson: Introductions". Ultimatefighter.com. 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2009-10-01. 
  13. ^ "Kimbo Slice vs Roy Nelson Results". Blitzcorner.com. 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2010-12-30. 
  14. ^ "UFC FIGHT NIGHT 21 RESULTS, PLAY-BY-PLAY, & PICS". Mmaweekly.com. 2010-03-31. Retrieved 2010-12-30. 
  15. ^ a b "Nelson takes 39 seconds to turn on the power". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved August 7, 2010. 
  16. ^ "Cheick Kongo injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup, nor UFC 116". RIDDUM.com. May 4, 2010. 
  17. ^ "Roy Nelson vs. Junior Dos Santos in the works for UFC 117 main card". MMAjunkie.com.com. Retrieved May 10, 2010. 
  18. ^ "Lesnar vs. Velasquez up next for UFC title; dos Santos vs. Nelson winner on deck". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 8, 2010. 
  19. ^ "UFC 117 winner Junior dos Santos gets his heavyweight title shot". mmajunkie.com. August 8, 2010. 
  20. ^ "UFC 125 official for Jan. 1 with Edgar-Maynard, Carwin-Nelson co-headliners". mmajunkie.com. October 14, 2010. 
  21. ^ "Fight Update *Updated*". shane-carwin.com. October 26, 2010. 
  22. ^ "White: Roy Nelson's UFC career on hold until outside contract issues resolved". Retrieved 14 November 2010. 
  23. ^ "Despite Contract Issues, Roy Nelson Intends to Fight in 2011". Mmafighting.com. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2010-12-30. 
  24. ^ "Contract issues resolved, Roy Nelson vs. Frank Mir targeted for UFC 130". mmajunkie.com. January 7, 2011. 
  25. ^ "Big Country Nelson will 'die' trying to make 205lbs". espn.co.uk. August 16, 2011. 
  26. ^ Haber, Scott (July 13, 2011). "Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson Planned for UFC 137". bloodyelbow.com. 
  27. ^ "Roy Nelson vs. Fabricio Werdum slotted for UFC 143 in February". mmajunkie.com. December 14, 2011. 
  28. ^ "Antonio Silva vs. Roy Nelson slated for UFC 146 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2012. 
  29. ^ "Gabriel Gonzaga fills open slot against Roy Nelson at UFC 146". mmajunkie.com. April 23, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2012. 
  30. ^ "Roy Nelson vs Dave Herman booked with Gabriel Gonzaga injured". mmamania.com. May 2, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012. 
  31. ^ "A Ranging Right". bleacherreport.com. May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2012. 
  32. ^ "Shane Carwin, Roy Nelson Named Coaches for 'TUF 16' on FX". sherdog.com. 2012-07-12. 
  33. ^ "TUF 16 Finale, not UFC on FX 6, slated for Dec. 15 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 30, 2012. 
  34. ^ "Matt Mitrione Steps In For Injured Shane Carwin Against Roy Nelson At ‘TUF 16’ Finale". sherdog.com. November 15, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012. 
  35. ^ "Kongo vs. Nelson added to UFC 159". mmajunkie.com. January 29, 2013. 
  36. ^ "Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic Added to UFC 161 Card". TopMMANews.com. May 21, 2013. 
  37. ^ "Everything you don't know about Roy 'Big Country' Nelson". LASVEGASSUN.com. 2010-04-09. Retrieved 2010-04-11. 

External links [edit]

New championship 1st IFL Heavyweight Champion
December 29, 2007 – July 31, 2008		 Succeeded by
IFL ceased operations
Team Rashad
Jon Madsen · James McSweeney · Matt Mitrione · Roy Nelson · Brendan Schaub · Darrill Schoonover · Mike Wessel · Justin Wren
Head Coach: Rashad Evans
Assistant Coaches: Greg Jackson  · Trevor Wittman · Mike Van Arsdale
Team Rampage
Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson · Zak Jensen · Marcus Jones · Scott Junk · Demico Rogers · Wes Shivers · Wes Sims · Abe Wagner
Head Coach: Quinton Jackson
Assistant Coaches: Tom Blackledge · Tiki Ghosn · Hector Ramirez
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roy_Nelson_(fighter)&oldid=556276817"