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Roy Nelson (fighter)

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Roy Nelson
Born (1976-06-20) June 20, 1976 (age 48)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Other namesBig Country
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)[1]
Weight264 lb (120 kg; 18 st 12 lb)[1]
DivisionHeavyweight
Reach72 in (183 cm)
StyleKarate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Wrestling Boxing Kung Fu
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
TeamXtreme Couture
TrainerBoxing: Jeff Mayweather
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Renzo Gracie
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie[2]
Black sash in Kung Fu[2]
Years active2004–Present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total44
Wins24
By knockout16
By submission4
By decision4
Losses20
By knockout3
By decision17
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  United States
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships
Gold medal – first place 2005 California, USA   +100kg
Bronze medal – third place 2003 California, USA   +100kg

Roy Nelson (born June 20, 1976)[3] is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight division. As a professional, he has competed for the UFC, EliteXC, the IFL, BodogFIGHT, and most recently for Bellator MMA. In the UFC, Nelson was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights and achieved success as a top 10 UFC Heavyweight. Nelson is also the former IFL Heavyweight Champion, competing under Ken Shamrock and the Lion's Den.[4][5][6] He holds notable victories over Mirko Cro Cop, Cheick Kongo, and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Background

[edit]

Nelson was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, and attended Cimarron-Memorial High School, where he competed in wrestling, football, and baseball. Nelson briefly trained in karate and began training in Ark Wong's Ng Ga Kuen[7] Shaolin Kung Fu when he was 15 years old. Nelson worked briefly in a warehouse in 1999. Nelson originally began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under UFC veteran John Lewis in 2000. After seven years working as a substitute teacher and after-school program volunteer in Clark County,[8] 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. Nelson was known initially for his strong jiu-jitsu skills, having consistently won jiu-jitsu tournaments before his MMA career, conclusively beating Frank Mir, Brandon Vera, and Diego Sanchez in the same day to win a Grapplers Quest championship in 2003,[9][10] and competing at the ADCC World Championships the same year.[11]

Prior to Nelson's professional mixed martial arts career, he played rugby for the Las Vegas Blackjacks for two seasons (2002–2003).

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

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

[edit]

As a member of Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den,[12] 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,[13] defeating Antoine Jaoude on December 29, 2007. Nelson successfully defended his title twice, before the IFL ceased operations.

Post-IFL

[edit]

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.[14][15] 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.[16][17]

The Ultimate Fighter

[edit]

Nelson was one of the sixteen fighters in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.[18] He provided commentary on the show for multiple websites, including weekly Q&A sessions about each individual episode for USA Today's Fighting Stances[19] and a blog for SpikeTV.com.[20] 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.[21] The broadcast was the highest rated MMA show in U.S. history with a 3.7 rating. The fight itself had 6 million viewers.[22]

In the quarterfinals, Nelson defeated Justin Wren in a two-round majority decision. In the semi-finals, 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]

Nelson was scheduled to fight Cheick Kongo, though the bout was cancelled after Kongo withdrew.[23] Nelson instead faced Junior dos Santos at UFC 117[24] in a bout to determine the #1 contender (after Cain Velasquez) to the UFC Heavyweight Championship.[25] Nelson lost by unanimous decision, but was able to withstand the varied attacks of dos Santos, as he was becoming the first man to take dos Santos to a decision.[26] Nelson was scheduled to face Shane Carwin at UFC 125.[27] Carwin, however, had to pull out of the fight due to a back injury. Nelson was pulled off the card altogether.[28]

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.[29] 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.[30]

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.[31] Nelson indicated that he has plans of cutting weight and fighting in the light heavyweight division at some point in the future.[32]

Nelson faced Mirko Cro Cop on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137 and won by TKO in the third round.[33]

Nelson next fought the returning Fabrício Werdum at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012.[34] 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.[35] Nelson was then briefly expected to face Gabriel Gonzaga.[36] However, Gonzaga himself was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Dave Herman,[37] 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".[38]

It was announced on July 12, 2012, that Nelson would be coaching on the show, The Ultimate Fighter, against fellow heavyweight Shane Carwin,[39] with the two expected to face each other on December 15, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.[40] 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.[41] Nelson defeated Mitrione via first-round TKO.

Nelson faced Cheick Kongo on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44] 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.[45] After dropping Nogueira several times with punches in the first round, Nelson finished the fight via knockout with an overhand right.[46][47] The win also earned Nelson his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[48] Nelson broke his right hand during the fight for which he required surgery in order to repair.[49]

Nelson next faced Mark Hunt on September 20, 2014, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 52.[50] Nelson lost the fight via knockout in the second round. It was his first loss by knockout and his first finished fight outside round 1 in a scheduled 5-round fight.

Nelson faced Alistair Overeem on March 14, 2015, at UFC 185.[51] 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.[52] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nelson faced Jared Rosholt on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.[53] He won the fight by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28).[54]

Nelson faced Derrick Lewis on July 7, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 90[55] Even though breaking his personal record of most takedowns in a fight with 7, Nelson lost via split decision.[56]

Nelson faced Antônio Silva on September 24, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 95.[57] He won the fight by knockout in the second round.[58] After the fight, out of frustration with what he thought was a late stoppage, Nelson push-kicked referee John McCarthy.[59]

Nelson faced Alexander Volkov on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[60] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[61]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

In May 2017, it was announced that Nelson's contract with the UFC had expired in April[62] and that he had a signed multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.[63]

In his debut Nelson faced Javy Ayala at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017.[64] He won the fight by unanimous decision in what was his first non-UFC related match in nearly 8 years.[62]

Nelson faced Matt Mitrione in the quarterfinal round of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament at Bellator 194 on February 16, 2018.[65] He lost the fight via majority decision.[66]

Nelson was expected to face Mirko Cro Cop in a rematch at Bellator 200 on May 25, 2018. However, the bout was scrapped during the week leading up to the event as Cro Cop pulled out of the fight citing an injury.[67]

Nelson faced Sergei Kharitonov in the Bellator 207 co-main event on October 12, 2018.[68] He lost the fight via knockout in round one.[69]

The rematch against Mirko Cro Cop eventually took place on February 16, 2019, at Bellator 216.[70] Nelson lost the fight by unanimous decision.[71]

Nelson faced Valentin Moldavsky at Bellator 244 on August 21, 2020.[72] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[73]

On October 27, 2020, it was revealed that Nelson had been released from his Bellator MMA contract.[74]

Gamebred Fighting Championship

[edit]

Nelson headlined Gamebred FC 4 in a bare-knuckle MMA bout against Dillon Cleckler on May 5, 2023.[75] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[76]

Nelson faced former BKFC Heavyweight Champion and UFC veteran Alan Belcher for inaugural Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Heavyweight Championship at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6 November 10, 2023.[77] He lost the fight via split decision.[78]

Fighting style

[edit]

Despite possessing a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, later years saw Nelson develop a reputation for his powerful striking game, specifically his signature overhand-right.[79][7]

Nelson is also known for having an iron chin.[7][80] In fact, after his bout against fellow heavyweight Stipe Miocic at UFC 161, Nelson had broken the record for the amount of significant strikes absorbed by a fighter without being knocked out, receiving 437 strikes across his then 10-fight UFC career.[81][80]

Personal life

[edit]

Nelson is married to Jess Nelson and they have a son.[82]

Nelson's nickname 'Big Country' originates from his early years in MMA, when his training partners thought Nelson was from a remarkable wrestling state like Iowa or Oklahoma because of his wrestling ability.[82][83]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Submission grappling

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
44 matches 24 wins 20 losses
By knockout 16 3
By submission 5 0
By decision 3 17
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 24–20 Alan Belcher Decision (split) Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6 November 10, 2023 3 5:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States Bare knuckle MMA.
Win 24–19 Dillon Cleckler TKO (punch) Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 4 May 5, 2023 1 3:24 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Bare Knuckle MMA.
Loss 23–19 Valentin Moldavsky Decision (unanimous) Bellator 244 August 21, 2020 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 23–18 Frank Mir Decision (unanimous) Bellator 231 October 25, 2019 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 23–17 Mirko Cro Cop Decision (unanimous) Bellator 216 February 16, 2019 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 23–16 Sergei Kharitonov KO (punches and knee) Bellator 207 October 12, 2018 1 4:59 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 23–15 Matt Mitrione Decision (majority) Bellator 194 February 16, 2018 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal.
Win 23–14 Javy Ayala Decision (unanimous) Bellator 183 September 24, 2017 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Loss 22–14 Alexander Volkov Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis April 15, 2017 3 5:00 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win 22–13 Antônio Silva KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Länsberg September 24, 2016 2 4:10 Brasília, Brazil
Loss 21–13 Derrick Lewis Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez July 7, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 21–12 Jared Rosholt Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson February 6, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
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 Cro Cop 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 Ultimate Fighter 10 Tournament. 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 inaugural 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 Semi-final.
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 TKO (submission to 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 Won the Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament.
Win 1–0 Bo Cantrell Submission (hammerlock) 3 2:52 Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Semi-final.

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 December 2, 2009 (air date) 1 4:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Semi-finals.
Win 2–0 Justin Wren Decision (majority) November 11, 2009 (air date) 2 5:00 Quarter-finals.
Win 1–0 Kimbo Slice TKO (punches) June 10, 2009, aired on September 30, 2009 2 2:01 Preliminary bout.

[86]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Roy Nelson ESPN profile". Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Roy Nelson – Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
  3. ^ "Roy Nelson". ESPN.GO.COM. June 22, 2010. Archived from the original on March 20, 2010. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
  4. ^ Kelly, Michael. "FIGHT DOCTOR: BIG COUNTRY'S GRANITE CHIN". fightland.vice.com/. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  5. ^ Pikey, W.C. "Roy Nelson Shows Granite Chin In Loss to Junior Dos Santos". www.squabbles.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  6. ^ Matuszak, Sascha. "THE GOLDEN BELL: THE SECRET TO ROY NELSON'S IRON CHIN". fightland.vice.com/. vice.
  7. ^ a b c "Fightland".
  8. ^ "Everything you don't know about Roy 'Big Country' Nelson". April 9, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  9. ^ Curreri, Frank (May 26, 2011). "Eight Years Later, Nelson Aims For 2-0 Against Mir". UFC.com. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  10. ^ Martin, Damon (April 7, 2014). "Roy Nelson won a lot of grappling tournaments but never once trained for a match". Fox Sports. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  11. ^ "ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2003". ADCC. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  12. ^ "Roy "Big Country" Nelson Profile". Kenshamrock.com. December 30, 2010. Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  13. ^ "Flashback to 2003: Roy Nelson beats Frank Mir, Brandon Vera, and Diego Sanchez to be crowned Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion". Grapplersquest.com. January 18, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  14. ^ "Roy Nelson Interview". www.octagonbuzz.com. October 9, 2008.
  15. ^ "MMANews.com Exclusive: Interview With Roy Nelson". www.mmanews.com. October 8, 2008.
  16. ^ "Monson takes an odd decision from Nelson". sports.yahoo.com. March 22, 2009.
  17. ^ "Monson earns controversial win, Lashley smothers Guida at "March Badness"". mmajunkie.com. March 22, 2009. Archived from the original on September 9, 2011.
  18. ^ "Vida e Saúde". Archived from the original on June 12, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  19. ^ "TUF's Nelson dishes on Episode 1". Usatoday.com. September 16, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  20. ^ "Roy Nelson: Introductions". Ultimatefighter.com. September 17, 2009. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  21. ^ "Kimbo Slice vs Roy Nelson Results". Blitzcorner.com. October 1, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  22. ^ Wrestling Observer Newsletter, October 12, 2009 issue
  23. ^ "Cheick Kongo injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup, nor UFC 116". RIDDUM.com. May 4, 2010.
  24. ^ "Roy Nelson vs. Junior Dos Santos in the works for UFC 117 main card". MMAjunkie.com.com. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
  25. ^ "Lesnar vs. Velasquez up next for UFC title; dos Santos vs. Nelson winner on deck". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  26. ^ "UFC 117 winner Junior dos Santos gets his heavyweight title shot". mmajunkie.com. August 8, 2010. Archived from the original on May 26, 2012.
  27. ^ "UFC 125 official for Jan. 1 with Edgar-Maynard, Carwin-Nelson co-headliners". mmajunkie.com. October 14, 2010. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012.
  28. ^ "Fight Update *Updated*". shane-carwin.com. October 26, 2010.
  29. ^ "White: Roy Nelson's UFC career on hold until outside contract issues resolved". Archived from the original on November 15, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  30. ^ "Despite Contract Issues, Roy Nelson Intends to Fight in 2011". Mmafighting.com. November 22, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  31. ^ "Contract issues resolved, Roy Nelson vs. Frank Mir targeted for UFC 130". mmajunkie.com. January 7, 2011.
  32. ^ "Big Country Nelson will 'die' trying to make 205lbs". espn.co.uk. August 16, 2011.
  33. ^ Haber, Scott (July 13, 2011). "Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson Planned for UFC 137". bloodyelbow.com.
  34. ^ "Roy Nelson vs. Fabrício Werdum slotted for UFC 143 in February". mmajunkie.com. December 14, 2011. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012.
  35. ^ "Antonio Silva vs. Roy Nelson slated for UFC 146 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
  36. ^ "Gabriel Gonzaga fills open slot against Roy Nelson at UFC 146". mmajunkie.com. April 23, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
  37. ^ "Roy Nelson vs Dave Herman booked with Gabriel Gonzaga injured". mmamania.com. May 2, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  38. ^ "A Ranging Right". bleacherreport.com. May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  39. ^ "Shane Carwin, Roy Nelson Named Coaches for 'TUF 16' on FX". sherdog.com. July 12, 2012.
  40. ^ "TUF 16 Finale, not UFC on FX 6, slated for Dec. 15 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
  41. ^ "Matt Mitrione Steps in For Injured Shane Carwin Against Roy Nelson At 'TUF 16' Finale". sherdog.com. November 15, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  42. ^ "Kongo vs. Nelson added to UFC 159". mmajunkie.com. January 29, 2013.
  43. ^ "Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic Added to UFC 161 Card". TopMMANews.com. May 21, 2013.
  44. ^ Shaun, Al-Shatti (July 22, 2013). "Roy Nelson re-signs with UFC, meets Daniel Cormier in UFC 166 co-main event". MMA Fighting. Vox Media. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  45. ^ Mike Chiapetta (January 30, 2014). "Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira set for UFC Abu Dhabi show". msn.foxsports.com. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  46. ^ Gene Mrosko (April 11, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 39 results: Roy Nelson knocks out Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in brutal fashion". mmamania.com. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  47. ^ Stephen Douglas (April 11, 2014). "Roy Nelson knocked out "Big Nog" cold at UFC Fight Night 39". thebiglead.com. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  48. ^ Staff (April 11, 2014). "UFC Fight Night 39 bonuses: Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri nab 'FOTN' honors". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  49. ^ Dave Walsh (April 15, 2014). "Roy Nelson Broke His Hand on Big Nog's Head". mmanuts.com. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  50. ^ Staff (May 30, 2014). "Roy Nelson vs. Mark Hunt targeted for UFC Fight Night 52 in Japan". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
  51. ^ Shaun Al-Shatti (January 6, 2015). "Alistair Overeem vs. Roy Nelson slated for UFC 185". mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  52. ^ Damon Martin (May 14, 2015). "Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson headlines UFC's return to Japan". foxsports.com. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  53. ^ "UFC Fight Night 82 adds Nelson-Rosholt". mmajunkie.com. December 13, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  54. ^ Ben Fowlkes (February 6, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 82 results: Roy Nelson tops Jared Rosholt for first decision win since 2007". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  55. ^ Adam Hill (April 29, 2016). "Roy Nelson to fight Derrick Lewis on July 7 in Las Vegas". reviewjournal.com. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  56. ^ "Twitter reacts to Derrick Lewis' split-decision over Roy Nelson at UFC Fight Night 90". July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  57. ^ Dann Stupp (August 3, 2016). "Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Silva added to UFC Fight Night 95 in Brazil". mmajunkie. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  58. ^ Steven Marrocco (September 25, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 95 results: Roy Nelson blasts 'Bigfoot' for second-round KO, then blasts ref McCarthy". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  59. ^ Martin, Damon. "Roy Nelson KOs 'Bigfoot' Silva, pushes referee after stoppage". Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  60. ^ Staff (March 14, 2017). "Roy Nelson meets ex-Bellator champ Alexander Volkov at UFC on FOX 24 in Kansas City". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  61. ^ Steven Marrocco (April 15, 2017). "UFC on FOX 24 results: Alexander Volkov picks apart Roy Nelson for clean-sweep victory". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  62. ^ a b "Roy Nelson Signs With Bellator MMA". Fightful.com. May 26, 2017. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
  63. ^ "Roy Nelson signs with Bellator". Mmafighting.com. May 26, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
  64. ^ Staff (June 24, 2017). "Benson Henderson's return, Roy Nelson's debut at Bellator 183; Bellator 181 gets new headliner". mmajunkie.com.
  65. ^ Guilherme Cruz (December 5, 2017). "Roy Nelson vs. Matt Mitrione tournament fight headlines Bellator 194". mmafighting.com.
  66. ^ "Bellator 194 results: Matt Mitrione edges Roy Nelson to advance in Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix". MMA Fighting. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  67. ^ Staff (May 21, 2018). "Mirko Cro Cop injured and out of Friday's Bellator 200 headliner". mmajunkie.com.
  68. ^ Matt Erickson (August 15, 2018). "Roy Nelson vs. Sergei Kharitonov set for Bellator 207 co-main event". mmajunkie.com.
  69. ^ "Bellator 207 results: Sergei Kharitonov knocks out Roy Nelson with brutal onslaught". MMAjunkie. October 13, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  70. ^ Ariel Helwani (December 6, 2018). "Roy Nelson to face Mirko Cro Cop at Bellator 217". espn.com.
  71. ^ "Bellator 231 Results: Frank Mir takes decision over Roy Nelson in heavyweight rematch". MMAFighting.com. October 26, 2016.
  72. ^ Jay Anderson (August 7, 2020). "Roy Nelson vs. Valentin Moldavsky Added to Bellator 244". cagesidepress.com.
  73. ^ "Bellator 244 Results: Bader vs. Nemkov". MMAFighting.com. August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  74. ^ Damon Martin, Mike Heck (October 27, 2020). "Former two-division champion Joe Warren, Ricky Bandejas, Roy Nelson among slew of Bellator fighters no longer under contract". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  75. ^ Heck, Mike (April 21, 2023). "Roy Nelson vs. Dillon Cleckler headlines Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle event on May 5". MMA Fighting. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  76. ^ "Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA live stream, results: Roy Nelson vs. Dillon Cleckler". MMA Junkie. May 6, 2023.
  77. ^ "Alan Belcher faces Roy Nelson for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA heavyweight title following BKFC release". MMA Fighting. September 6, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  78. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (November 11, 2023). "Alan Belcher wins puzzling split decision over Roy Nelson at Gamebred Bareknuckle 6". MMA Fighting. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
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  81. ^ "Roy Nelson Sets UFC Record of Significant Strikes Absorbed Without KO". Bleacher Report.
  82. ^ a b Bellator Countdown - Roy Nelson vs. Matt Mitrione: Episode 1. Bellator. February 9, 2018. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Bellator Countdown - Roy Nelson vs. Matt Mitrione: Episode 1
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  86. ^ Sherdog.com. "Roy". Sherdog. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
[edit]
New championship 1st IFL Heavyweight Champion
December 29, 2007 – July 31, 2008 		Succeeded by
IFL ceased operations
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