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{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Roy Nelson
| name = Roy Nelson
| other_names = Big Country
| other_names = Big Country<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Roy-Nelson-10249 |title=Roy "Big Country" Nelson MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography, and More - Sherdog.com |publisher=www.sherdog.com |accessdate=2010-11-12 }}</ref>
| image =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|6|20}}
| birth_place = [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], U.S.
| image_size =
| alt =
| nationality =
| caption =
| height = 6 ft 0 in
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|year=1976|month=6|day=20}}
| birth_place = [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], [[United States]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality = {{Flag icon|United States}} [[People of the United States|American]]
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}
| weight = {{convert|263|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| reach = {{convert|74.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| reach = 72 inches
| stance = Orthodox
| style = [[Boxing]], [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]], [[Shaolin Kung Fu]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamemories.com/2009/03/09/talkin-mma-with-roy-nelson.html |title=Talkin’ MMA With Roy Nelson |accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Mmamemories.com |date=2009-03-09}}</ref>
| style = [[Karate]] [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] [[Wrestling]] [[Boxing ]] [[Kung Fu]]
| stance = [[Orthodox]]
| fighting_out_of = [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
| fighting_out_of = [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], U.S.
| team = Country Club<br>
| team = [[Xtreme Couture]]
| trainer = [[Boxing]]: [[Jeff Mayweather]]<br />[[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]: [[Renzo Gracie]]
[[Renzo Gracie Combat Team]]
| rank = Black belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] <small>under [[Renzo Gracie]]</small><ref name=UFCprofile>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Roy-Nelson|title=Roy Nelson – Official UFC Fighter Profile|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=September 27, 2015}}</ref><br />Black sash in [[Kung Fu]]<ref name=UFCprofile />
| rank = {{color box|black}} ''black belt [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]</br>''
| years_active = 2004–present ([[Mixed martial arts|MMA]])
| years_active = 2004–Present ([[MMA]])
| mma_win = 15
| mma_kowin = 16
| mma_kowin = 8
| mma_subwin = 4
| mma_subwin = 5
| mma_decwin = 4
| mma_decwin = 2
| mma_koloss = 3
| mma_loss = 5
| mma_subloss =
| mma_koloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 17
| mma_subloss = 0
| mma_nc =
| mma_decloss = 4
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| url = http://roynelson.com/
| sherdog = 10249
| sherdog = 10249
| footnotes =
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalCountry| {{USA}} }}
| updated = October 1, 2009
{{MedalSport | [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]}}
}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Pan American Championship (Jiu Jitsu)|Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|2005 [[California, USA]] {{color box|brown}} |+100kg}}
{{MedalBronze|2003 [[California, USA]] {{color box|brown}} |+100kg}}
|weight=249 lb}}


'''Roy Nelson''' (born June 20, 1976)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mma/fighter/_/id/1172/roy-nelson |title=Roy Nelson |accessdate=2010-06-22 |publisher=ESPN.GO.COM |date=2010-06-22}}</ref> is an [[United States|American]] [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] who competes in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|heavyweight]] division. He last competed in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] after winning [[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights|Season 10]] of ''[[The Ultimate Fighter]]''. The September 30, 2009 broadcast of his fight against [[Kimbo Slice]], officially an exhibition, was the fourth most-watched MMA match in U.S. history.<ref name="ReferenceA">''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'', October 12, 2009 issue</ref> He is also a former [[List of IFL champions|International Fight League Heavyweight Champion]]. He is currently ranked as the #10 heavyweight in the world by Sherdog.<ref>http://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/2/Sherdog-Official-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Rankings-30474</ref>
'''Roy Nelson''' (born June 20, 1976)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/mma/fighter/_/id/1172/roy-nelson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100320103316/http://espn.go.com/mma/fighter/_/id/1172/roy-nelson |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 20, 2010 |title=Roy Nelson |access-date=2010-06-22 |publisher=ESPN.GO.COM |date=June 22, 2010}}</ref> is an American [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] who competes in the [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] division. As a professional, he has competed for the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[EliteXC]], the [[International Fight League|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 [[List of IFL champions|IFL Heavyweight Champion]], competing under [[Ken Shamrock]] and the [[Lion's Den (mixed martial arts)|Lion's Den]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kelly|first1=Michael|title=FIGHT DOCTOR: BIG COUNTRY'S GRANITE CHIN|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/fight-doctor-big-countrys-granite-chin|website=fightland.vice.com/|access-date=24 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pikey|first1=W.C|title=Roy Nelson Shows Granite Chin In Loss to Junior Dos Santos|url=http://www.squabbles.com/2010/08/roy-nelson-shows-granite-chin-in-loss-to-junior-dos-santos/|website=www.squabbles.com|access-date=24 September 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317052432/http://www.squabbles.com/2010/08/roy-nelson-shows-granite-chin-in-loss-to-junior-dos-santos/|archive-date=March 17, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Matuszak|first1=Sascha|title=THE GOLDEN BELL: THE SECRET TO ROY NELSON'S IRON CHIN|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/the-golden-bell-the-secret-to-roy-nelsons-iron-chin|website=fightland.vice.com/|date=January 22, 2019 |publisher=vice}}</ref> He holds notable victories over [[Mirko Cro Cop]], [[Cheick Kongo]], and [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]].


==Background==
Nelson started off his [[martial arts]] training in [[Shaolin Kung Fu]] for a number of years and is a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] under [[Renzo Gracie]].<ref name="renzogracie.com">http://www.renzogracie.com/content/view/269/74/</ref>
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<ref name="fightland.vice.com">{{Cite web|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/the-golden-bell-the-secret-to-roy-nelsons-iron-chin|title = Fightland| date=January 22, 2019 }}</ref> [[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,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/09/everything-you-dont-know-about-roy-big-country-nel/|title=Everything you don't know about Roy 'Big Country' Nelson|date=April 9, 2010 |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curreri |first=Frank |date=May 26, 2011 |title=Eight Years Later, Nelson Aims For 2-0 Against Mir |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/eight-years-later-nelson-aims-2-0-against-mir |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=UFC.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=April 7, 2014 |title=Roy Nelson won a lot of grappling tournaments but never once trained for a match |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/ufc/roy-nelson-won-a-lot-of-grappling-tournaments-but-never-once-trained-for-a-match |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=Fox Sports}}</ref> and competing at the [[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship|ADCC World Championships]] the same year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2003 |url=https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/adcc-2003-results/ |access-date=2023-05-16 |website=ADCC}}</ref>

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


==Mixed martial arts career==
==Mixed martial arts career==
Nelson has been a long time student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master [[Renzo Gracie]], who granted him a Black Belt on August 26, 2009.<ref name="renzogracie.com"/> Nelson has competed at the [[ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship|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]].<ref name=Lions>{{cite web |url=http://www.kenshamrock.com/fighters/roy-big-country-nelson/ |title=Roy "Big Country" Nelson Profile|accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Kenshamrock.com |date=2010-12-30}}</ref>


===Early career===
As a member of [[Ken Shamrock]]'s [[Lion's Den (mixed martial arts)|Lion's Den]],<ref name=Lions/> 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,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grapplersquest.com/blogs/briancimins/flashback-2003-roy-nelson-beats-frank-mir-brandon-vera-and-diego-sanchez-be-crowne |title=Flashback to 2003: Roy Nelson beats Frank Mir, Brandon Vera, and Diego Sanchez to be crowned Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion |accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Grapplersquest.com |date=2010-01-18}}</ref> defeating [[Antoine Jaoude]] on December 29, 2007. Nelson successfully defended his title twice, before the IFL ceased operations.
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 [[International Fight League|IFL]].


===IFL===
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 lock|kimura]].
As a member of [[Ken Shamrock]]'s [[Lion's Den (mixed martial arts)|Lion's Den]],<ref name=Lions>{{cite web |url=http://www.kenshamrock.com/fighters/roy-big-country-nelson/ |title=Roy "Big Country" Nelson Profile |access-date=2010-12-30 |publisher=Kenshamrock.com |date=December 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824215057/http://www.kenshamrock.com/fighters/roy-big-country-nelson/ |archive-date=August 24, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Nelson was asked to become a member of the [[International Fight League|IFL]]'s [[Nevada Lions]] in 2007, and made his promotional debut at [[2007 International Fight League|IFL: Oakland]] on January 19, 2007, against veteran Vince Lucero. Nelson won via [[Technical knockout|TKO]] in the first round.
He then went on to fight for [[Roy Jones Jr.]]'s fight promotion 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.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}}


In the 2007 IFL World Grand Prix, Nelson became the [[List of IFL champions|Heavyweight Champion]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grapplersquest.com/blogs/briancimins/flashback-2003-roy-nelson-beats-frank-mir-brandon-vera-and-diego-sanchez-be-crowne |title=Flashback to 2003: Roy Nelson beats Frank Mir, Brandon Vera, and Diego Sanchez to be crowned Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion |access-date=2010-12-30 |publisher=Grapplersquest.com |date=January 18, 2010}}</ref> defeating [[Antoine Jaoude]] on December 29, 2007. Nelson successfully defended his title twice, before the [[International Fight League|IFL]] ceased operations.
===''The Ultimate Fighter''===
Nelson was one of the 16 fighters in ''[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights]]''.<ref>http://mmamadness.com/insight/news/3936</ref> He did commentaries on the show for multiple websites, including weekly Q&A sessions about each episode for [[USA Today]]'s Fighting Stances<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2009/09/tufs-nelson-dishes-on-episode-1/1 |title=TUF's Nelson dishes on Episode 1 |accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=2009-09-16}}</ref> and a blog for SpikeTV.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimatefighter.com/blog/roy-nelson-introductions |title=Roy Nelson: Introductions |accessdate=2009-10-01 |publisher=Ultimatefighter.com |date=2009-09-17}}</ref>
In his first fight of the show, Nelson defeated former street-fighter [[Kimbo Slice]] via TKO stoppage in round 2 with repeated punches to the head in the [[crucifix position]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blitzcorner.com/MMA/Kimbo-Slice-vs-Roy-Nelson-Results |title=Kimbo Slice vs Roy Nelson Results|accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Blitzcorner.com|date=2009-10-01}}</ref> The broadcast was the highest rated MMA show in U.S. history with a 3.7 rating. The fight itself had 6 million viewers.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>


===Post-IFL===
In the quarterfinals, Nelson defeated [[Justin Wren]] in a two-round majority decision.
After the IFL ceased operations Nelson took a fight with [[EliteXC]] on 10 days' notice against former [[UFC Heavyweight Championship|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 lock|kimura]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.octagonbuzz.com/roy-nelson-interview |title=Roy Nelson Interview |publisher=www.octagonbuzz.com |date=October 9, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmanews.com/news/82880 |title=MMANews.com Exclusive: Interview With Roy Nelson |publisher=www.mmanews.com |date= October 8, 2008}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Monson-takes-an-odd-decision-from-Nelson?urn=mma-149614 |title=Monson takes an odd decision from Nelson |publisher=sports.yahoo.com |date=March 22, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/14329/monson-earns-controversial-win-lashley-smothers-guida-at-march-badness.mma |title=Monson earns controversial win, Lashley smothers Guida at "March Badness" |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=March 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909214847/http://mmajunkie.com/news/14329/monson-earns-controversial-win-lashley-smothers-guida-at-march-badness.mma |archive-date=September 9, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


===''The Ultimate Fighter''===
In the semifinals, Nelson defeated [[James McSweeney]] via strikes in the first round again utilizing the crucifix position.
Nelson was one of the sixteen fighters in ''[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmamadness.com/insight/news/3936|title=Vida e Saúde|access-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612022239/http://mmamadness.com/insight/news/3936|archive-date=June 12, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He provided commentary on the show for multiple websites, including weekly Q&A sessions about each individual episode for [[USA Today]]'s Fighting Stances<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2009/09/tufs-nelson-dishes-on-episode-1/1 |title=TUF's Nelson dishes on Episode 1 |access-date=2010-12-30 |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=September 16, 2009}}</ref> and a blog for SpikeTV.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ultimatefighter.com/blog/roy-nelson-introductions |title=Roy Nelson: Introductions |access-date=2009-10-01 |publisher=Ultimatefighter.com |date=September 17, 2009}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blitzcorner.com/MMA/Kimbo-Slice-vs-Roy-Nelson-Results |title=Kimbo Slice vs Roy Nelson Results|access-date=2010-12-30 |publisher=Blitzcorner.com|date=October 1, 2009}}</ref> The broadcast was the highest rated MMA show in U.S. history with a 3.7 rating. The fight itself had 6 million viewers.<ref name="ReferenceA">''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'', October 12, 2009 issue</ref>


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.
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===
===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
Nelson was scheduled to fight [[Cheick Kongo]], though the bout was cancelled after Kongo withdrew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riddum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716:cheick-kongo-injured-no-confirmation-on-roy-nelson-matchup-nor-ufc-116-return&catid=50:ufc-news&Itemid=122/ |title=Cheick Kongo injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup, nor UFC 116|publisher=RIDDUM.com |date=May 4, 2010}}</ref> Nelson instead faced [[Junior dos Santos]] at [[UFC 117]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/19070/roy-nelson-vs-junior-dos-santos-in-the-works-for-ufc-117-main-card.mma|title=Roy Nelson vs. Junior Dos Santos in the works for UFC 117 main card|publisher=MMAjunkie.com.com |access-date=May 10, 2010}}</ref> in a bout to determine the #1 contender (after Cain Velasquez) to the [[UFC Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/19807/lesnar-vs-velasquez-up-next-for-ufc-title-dos-santos-vs-nelson-winner-on-deck.mma|title=Lesnar vs. Velasquez up next for UFC title; dos Santos vs. Nelson winner on deck|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=August 8, 2010}}</ref> Nelson lost by unanimous decision, but was able to withstand the varied attacks of dos Santos, as he became the first man to take dos Santos to a decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20207/ufc-117-winner-junior-dos-santos-gets-his-heavyweight-title-shot.mma|title=UFC 117 winner Junior dos Santos gets his heavyweight title shot|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 8, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526004405/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20207/ufc-117-winner-junior-dos-santos-gets-his-heavyweight-title-shot.mma|archive-date=May 26, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Nelson was scheduled to face [[Shane Carwin]] at [[UFC 125]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21013/ufc-125-official-for-jan-1-with-edgar-maynard-carwin-nelson-co-headliners.mma|title=UFC 125 official for Jan. 1 with Edgar-Maynard, Carwin-Nelson co-headliners|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 14, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717082302/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21013/ufc-125-official-for-jan-1-with-edgar-maynard-carwin-nelson-co-headliners.mma|archive-date=July 17, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Carwin, however, had to pull out of the fight due to a back injury. Nelson was pulled off the card altogether.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shane-carwin.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2644239:BlogPost:58868&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post|title=Fight Update *Updated*|publisher=shane-carwin.com|date=October 26, 2010}}</ref>
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,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-fight-night-21-results-play-by-play-pics-2 |title=UFC FIGHT NIGHT 21 RESULTS, PLAY-BY-PLAY, & PICS|accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Mmaweekly.com |date=2010-03-31}}</ref><ref name="sports.yahoo.com/mma">{{Cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Nelson-takes-39-seconds-to-turn-on-the-power-aft?urn=mma-231470|title=Nelson takes 39 seconds to turn on the power|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|accessdate=August 7, 2010}}</ref> winning his second straight Knockout of the Night Bonus.<ref name="sports.yahoo.com/mma"/>


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.|Roy Jones Jr.'s]] Square Ring Promotions claimed to have Nelson tied down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21399/white-roy-nelsons-ufc-career-on-hold-until-outside-contract-issues-resolved.mma|title=White: Roy Nelson's UFC career on hold until outside contract issues resolved|access-date=November 14, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115203231/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21399/white-roy-nelsons-ufc-career-on-hold-until-outside-contract-issues-resolved.mma|archive-date=November 15, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/11/22/despite-contract-issues-roy-nelson-intends-to-fight-in-2011/ |title=Despite Contract Issues, Roy Nelson Intends to Fight in 2011|access-date=2010-12-30|publisher=Mmafighting.com |date=November 22, 2010}}</ref>
Nelson was scheduled to fight [[Cheick Kongo]], though the bout was cancelled after Kongo withdrew.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://riddum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716:cheick-kongo-injured-no-confirmation-on-roy-nelson-matchup-nor-ufc-116-return&catid=50:ufc-news&Itemid=122/ |title=Cheick Kongo injured, no confirmation on Roy Nelson matchup, nor UFC 116|publisher=RIDDUM.com |date=May 4, 2010}}</ref>


Nelson instead faced [[Junior dos Santos]] at [[UFC 117]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/19070/roy-nelson-vs-junior-dos-santos-in-the-works-for-ufc-117-main-card.mma|title=Roy Nelson vs. Junior Dos Santos in the works for UFC 117 main card|publisher=MMAjunkie.com.com |accessdate=May 10, 2010}}</ref> in a bout to determine the #1 contender (after Cain Velasquez) to the UFC Heavyweight title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/19807/lesnar-vs-velasquez-up-next-for-ufc-title-dos-santos-vs-nelson-winner-on-deck.mma|title=Lesnar vs. Velasquez up next for UFC title; dos Santos vs. Nelson winner on deck|publisher=mmajunkie.com|accessdate=August 8, 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20207/ufc-117-winner-junior-dos-santos-gets-his-heavyweight-title-shot.mma|title=UFC 117 winner Junior dos Santos gets his heavyweight title shot|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 8, 2010}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22015/contract-issues-resolved-roy-nelson-vs-frank-mir-targeted-for-ufc-130.mma|title=Contract issues resolved, Roy Nelson vs. Frank Mir targeted for UFC 130|publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=January 7, 2011}}</ref> Nelson indicated that he has plans of cutting weight and fighting in the [[Light Heavyweight (MMA)|light heavyweight]] division at some point in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/106069.html|title=Big Country Nelson will 'die' trying to make 205lbs |publisher=espn.co.uk |date=August 16, 2011}}</ref>


Nelson faced [[Mirko Cro Cop]] on October 29, 2011, at [[UFC 137]] and won by TKO in the third round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/7/13/2273685/mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-vs-roy-nelson-planned-for-ufc-137|title=Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson Planned for UFC 137 |work=bloodyelbow.com|last=Haber |first=Scott |date=July 13, 2011}}</ref>
Nelson was set to face [[Shane Carwin]] at [[UFC 125]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21013/ufc-125-official-for-jan-1-with-edgar-maynard-carwin-nelson-co-headliners.mma|title=UFC 125 official for Jan. 1 with Edgar-Maynard, Carwin-Nelson co-headliners|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 14, 2010}}</ref> However, Carwin has announced via his blog that he will be pulling out of the fight due to a back injury. Nelson was pulled off the card altogether.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shane-carwin.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2644239:BlogPost:58868&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post|title=Fight Update *Updated*|publisher=shane-carwin.com|date=October 26, 2010}}</ref>


Nelson next fought the returning [[Fabrício Werdum]] at [[UFC 143]] on February 4, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26546/roy-nelson-vs-fabricio-werdum-slotted-for-ufc-143.mma|title=Roy Nelson vs. Fabrício Werdum slotted for UFC 143 in February|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 14, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710225235/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26546/roy-nelson-vs-fabricio-werdum-slotted-for-ufc-143.mma|archive-date=July 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision. The back and forth action earned ''Fight of the Night'' honors.
On November 14, 2010 [[Ultimate Fighting Championships|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 "Big Country" confirmed that [[Roy Jones, Jr.|Roy Jones Jr.'s]] Square Ring Promotions claims to have Nelson tied down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21399/white-roy-nelsons-ufc-career-on-hold-until-outside-contract-issues-resolved.mma|title=White: Roy Nelson's UFC career on hold until outside contract issues resolved|accessdate=14 November 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/11/22/despite-contract-issues-roy-nelson-intends-to-fight-in-2011/ |title=Despite Contract Issues, Roy Nelson Intends to Fight in 2011|accessdate=2010-12-30|publisher=Mmafighting.com |date=2010-11-22}}</ref>


Nelson was scheduled to face [[Antônio Silva (fighter)|Antônio Silva]] on May 26, 2012, at [[UFC 146]], but Silva was moved up to fight [[Cain Velasquez]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27761/antonio-silva-vs-roy-nelson-slated-for-ufc-146-in-las-vegas.mma|title=Antonio Silva vs. Roy Nelson slated for UFC 146 in Las Vegas|publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=March 7, 2012}}</ref> Nelson was then briefly expected to face [[Gabriel Gonzaga]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28398/gabriel-gonzaga-fills-open-slot-against-roy-nelson-at-ufc-146.mma|title=Gabriel Gonzaga fills open slot against Roy Nelson at UFC 146|work=mmajunkie.com|date=April 23, 2012|access-date=April 23, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713130154/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28398/gabriel-gonzaga-fills-open-slot-against-roy-nelson-at-ufc-146.mma|archive-date=July 13, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, Gonzaga himself was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by [[Dave Herman (fighter)|Dave Herman]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/5/2/2993256/ufc-146-fight-card-roy-nelson-vs-dave-herman-gabriel-gonzaga-injured|title=Roy Nelson vs Dave Herman booked with Gabriel Gonzaga injured |work=mmamania.com|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2012}}</ref> 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 [[Dave Herman (fighter)|Herman]] sat down on his ass, he had no idea where he was".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1197720-ufc-146-results-10-memorable-moments-from-dos-santos-vs-mir-in-las-vegas#/articles/1197720-ufc-146-results-10-memorable-moments-from-dos-santos-vs-mir-in-las-vegas/page/8|title=A Ranging Right|work=bleacherreport.com|date=May 27, 2012|access-date=May 27, 2012}}</ref>
Nelson is expected to face [[Frank Mir]] on May 28, 2011 at [[UFC 130]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22015/contract-issues-resolved-roy-nelson-vs-frank-mir-targeted-for-ufc-130.mma|title=Contract issues resolved, Roy Nelson vs. Frank Mir targeted for UFC 130|publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=January 7, 2011}}</ref>

It was announced on July 12, 2012, that Nelson would be coaching on the show, The Ultimate Fighter, against fellow heavyweight [[Shane Carwin]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Shane-Carwin-Roy-Nelson-Named-Coaches-for-TUF-16-on-FX-44137|title=Shane Carwin, Roy Nelson Named Coaches for 'TUF 16' on FX|publisher=sherdog.com|date=July 12, 2012}}</ref> with the two expected to face each other on December 15, 2012, at [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale]].<ref name="TUF16Event">{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30432/tuf-16-finale-not-ufc-on-fx-6-slated-for-dec-15-in-las-vegas.mma |title=TUF 16 Finale, not UFC on FX 6, slated for Dec. 15 in Las Vegas |publisher=mmajunkie.com |access-date=August 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901204040/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30432/tuf-16-finale-not-ufc-on-fx-6-slated-for-dec-15-in-las-vegas.mma |archive-date=September 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Matt-Mitrione-Steps-In-For-Injured-Shane-Carwin-against-Roy-Nelson-at-TUF-16-Finale-47441|date=November 15, 2012|title=Matt Mitrione Steps in For Injured Shane Carwin Against Roy Nelson At 'TUF 16' Finale|work=sherdog.com|access-date=November 15, 2012}}</ref> Nelson defeated Mitrione via first-round TKO.

Nelson faced [[Cheick Kongo]] on April 27, 2013, at [[UFC 159]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/davis-vs-magalhaes-kongo-vs-nelson-added-to-ufc-159|title=Kongo vs. Nelson added to UFC 159|publisher=mmajunkie.com| date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://topmmanews.com/2013/05/21/roy-nelson-and-stipe-miocic-added-to-ufc-161-card/|title=Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic Added to UFC 161 Card|publisher=TopMMANews.com| date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/7/22/4547468/ufc-166-fight-card-roy-nelson-re-sign-ufc-vs-daniel-cormier|work=MMA Fighting |title=Roy Nelson re-signs with UFC, meets Daniel Cormier in UFC 166 co-main event |first=Al-Shatti |last=Shaun |date=July 22, 2013 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=July 22, 2013 }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/roy-nelson-vs-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-set-for-ufc-abu-dhabi-show-013014|title=Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira set for UFC Abu Dhabi show |publisher=msn.foxsports.com|author=Mike Chiapetta|access-date=2014-01-30|date=January 30, 2014}}</ref> After dropping Nogueira several times with punches in the first round, Nelson finished the fight via knockout with an overhand right.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/4/11/5605574/ufc-fight-night-39-results-roy-nelson-knocks-out-antonio-rodrigo-nogueira-brutal|title=UFC Fight Night 39 results: Roy Nelson knocks out Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in brutal fashion|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Gene Mrosko|access-date=2014-04-11|date=April 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thebiglead.com/2014/04/11/roy-nelson-knocked-out-big-nog-cold-at-ufc-fight-night-39/|title=Roy Nelson knocked out "Big Nog" cold at UFC Fight Night 39|publisher=thebiglead.com|author=Stephen Douglas|access-date=2014-04-11|date=April 11, 2014}}</ref> The win also earned Nelson his first ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/ufc-fight-night-39-bonuses-clay-guida-tatsuya-kawajiri-nab-fotn-honors/|title=UFC Fight Night 39 bonuses: Clay Guida, Tatsuya Kawajiri nab 'FOTN' honors|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2014-04-11|date=April 11, 2014}}</ref> Nelson broke his right hand during the fight for which he required surgery in order to repair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmanuts.com/news/roy-nelson-broke-hand-big-nogs-head/ |title=Roy Nelson Broke His Hand on Big Nog's Head |publisher=mmanuts.com|author=Dave Walsh |date=April 15, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2014}}</ref>

Nelson next faced [[Mark Hunt]] on September 20, 2014, in the main event at [[UFC Fight Night 52]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/05/roy-nelson-vs-mark-hunt-targeted-for-ufc-fight-night-51-in-japan|title=Roy Nelson vs. Mark Hunt targeted for UFC Fight Night 52 in Japan|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=May 30, 2014|access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/1/6/7505839/ufc-185-fight-card-alistair-overeem-vs-roy-nelson|title=Alistair Overeem vs. Roy Nelson slated for UFC 185|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Shaun Al-Shatti|date=January 6, 2015|access-date=2015-01-07}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-josh-barnett-vs-roy-nelson-headlines-ufc-s-return-to-japan-051415|title=Josh Barnett vs. Roy Nelson headlines UFC's return to Japan |work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=May 14, 2015|access-date=2015-05-14}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nelson faced [[Jared Rosholt]] on February 6, 2016, at [[UFC Fight Night 82]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/ufc-196-adds-hendricks-thompson-nelson-rosholt-burkman-nonon-pyle-spencer|title=UFC Fight Night 82 adds Nelson-Rosholt|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 13, 2015|access-date=2015-12-13}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/ufc-fight-night-82-results-roy-nelson-tops-jared-rosholt-for-first-decision-win-since-2007|title=UFC Fight Night 82 results: Roy Nelson tops Jared Rosholt for first decision win since 2007|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=February 6, 2016|access-date=2016-02-06}}</ref>

Nelson faced [[Derrick Lewis]] on July 7, 2016, at [[UFC Fight Night 90]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/roy-nelson-fight-derrick-lewis-july-7-las-vegas|title=Roy Nelson to fight Derrick Lewis on July 7 in Las Vegas|publisher=reviewjournal.com|author=Adam Hill|date=April 29, 2016|access-date=2016-04-29}}</ref> Even though breaking his personal record of most takedowns in a fight with 7, Nelson lost via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/twitter-reacts-to-derrick-lewis-split-decision-over-roy-nelson-at-ufc-fight-night-90|title=Twitter reacts to Derrick Lewis' split-decision over Roy Nelson at UFC Fight Night 90|date=July 8, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-08}}</ref>

Nelson faced [[Antônio Silva (fighter)|Antônio Silva]] on September 24, 2016, at [[UFC Fight Night 95]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/roy-nelson-vs-antonio-silva-added-to-ufc-fight-night-95-event|title=Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Silva added to UFC Fight Night 95 in Brazil|publisher=mmajunkie|author=Dann Stupp|date=August 3, 2016|access-date=2016-08-03}}</ref> He won the fight by knockout in the second round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/09/ufc-fight-night-95-results-roy-nelson-blasts-bigfoot-silva-for-second-round-knockout|title=UFC Fight Night 95 results: Roy Nelson blasts 'Bigfoot' for second-round KO, then blasts ref McCarthy|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|access-date=2016-09-25|date=September 25, 2016}}</ref> After the fight, out of frustration with what he thought was a late stoppage, Nelson push-kicked referee [[John McCarthy (mixed martial arts)|John McCarthy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/roy-nelson-kos-bigfoot-silva-pushes-referee-after-stoppage-092416|title=Roy Nelson KOs 'Bigfoot' Silva, pushes referee after stoppage|last=Martin|first=Damon|access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref>

Nelson faced [[Alexander Volkov (fighter)|Alexander Volkov]] on April 15, 2017, at [[UFC on Fox 24]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/roy-nelson-meets-ex-bellator-champ-alexander-volkov-at-ufc-on-fox-24-in-kansas-city|title=Roy Nelson meets ex-Bellator champ Alexander Volkov at UFC on FOX 24 in Kansas City|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=March 14, 2017|access-date=2017-03-14}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/04/ufc-on-fox-24-results-alexander-volkov-unanimous-win-roy-nelson|title=UFC on FOX 24 results: Alexander Volkov picks apart Roy Nelson for clean-sweep victory|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=2017-04-15}}</ref>

===Bellator MMA===
In May 2017, it was announced that Nelson's contract with the UFC had expired in April<ref name="Roy Nelson Signs With Bellator MMA">{{Cite news|url=http://www.fightful.com/roy-nelson-signs-bellator-mma|title=Roy Nelson Signs With Bellator MMA|date=May 26, 2017|work=Fightful.com|access-date=2017-05-30}}</ref> and that he had a signed multi-fight contract with [[Bellator MMA]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/5/26/15701190/roy-nelson-signs-with-bellator |title=Roy Nelson signs with Bellator|access-date=2017-05-26|publisher=Mmafighting.com |date=May 26, 2017}}</ref>

In his debut Nelson faced [[Javy Ayala]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2017#Bellator 183|Bellator 183]] on September 23, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/06/bellator-183-benson-henderson-returns-roy-nelson-debuts|title=Benson Henderson's return, Roy Nelson's debut at Bellator 183; Bellator 181 gets new headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=June 24, 2017}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision in what was his first non-[[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] related match in nearly 8 years.<ref name="Roy Nelson Signs With Bellator MMA" />

Nelson faced [[Matt Mitrione]] in the quarterfinal round of the [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament|Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 194|Bellator 194]] on February 16, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/12/5/16739362/roy-nelson-matt-mitrione-headlines-bellator-194|title=Roy Nelson vs. Matt Mitrione tournament fight headlines Bellator 194|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> He lost the fight via majority decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/2/17/17022274/bellator-194-recap-matt-mitrione-edges-roy-nelson-to-advance-to-semifinals-of-bellator-grand-prix|title=Bellator 194 results: Matt Mitrione edges Roy Nelson to advance in Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=2018-02-17}}</ref>

Nelson was expected to face [[Mirko Cro Cop]] in a rematch at [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 200|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/mirko-cro-cop-injured-roy-nelson-bellator-200-headliner|title=Mirko Cro Cop injured and out of Friday's Bellator 200 headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=May 21, 2018}}</ref>

Nelson faced [[Sergei Kharitonov]] in the [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 207|Bellator 207]] co-main event on October 12, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/roy-nelson-vs-sergei-kharitonov-bellator-207-co-main-event-connecticut-mma-heavyweight|title=Roy Nelson vs. Sergei Kharitonov set for Bellator 207 co-main event|author=Matt Erickson|date=August 15, 2018|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in round one.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/10/bellator-207-results-sergei-kharitonov-knocks-out-roy-nelson-with-brutal-onslaught|title=Bellator 207 results: Sergei Kharitonov knocks out Roy Nelson with brutal onslaught|date=2018-10-13|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-10-13|language=en-US}}</ref>

The rematch against Mirko Cro Cop eventually took place on February 16, 2019, at [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator 216|Bellator 216]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com.au/mma/story/_/id/25465601/roy-nelson-face-mirko-cro-cop-bellator-217-february|title=Roy Nelson to face Mirko Cro Cop at Bellator 217|work=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=December 6, 2018}}</ref> Nelson lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2019/10/26/20933115/bellator-231-results-frank-mir-takes-decision-over-roy-nelson-in-heavyweight-rematch|title=Bellator 231 Results: Frank Mir takes decision over Roy Nelson in heavyweight rematch|work=MMAFighting.com|date=October 26, 2016}}</ref>

Nelson faced [[Valentin Moldavsky]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 244|Bellator 244]] on August 21, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/07/roy-nelson-vs-valentin-moldavsky-added-bellator-244/|title=Roy Nelson vs. Valentin Moldavsky Added to Bellator 244|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> He lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/8/21/21395983/bellator-244-results-bader-vs-nemkov|title=Bellator 244 Results: Bader vs. Nemkov|work=MMAFighting.com|date=August 21, 2020|access-date=August 21, 2020}}</ref>

On October 27, 2020, it was revealed that Nelson had been released from his Bellator MMA contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2020/10/27/21537415/former-two-division-champion-joe-warren-ricky-bandejas-roy-nelson-among-bellator-fighters-released|title=Former two-division champion Joe Warren, Ricky Bandejas, Roy Nelson among slew of Bellator fighters no longer under contract|author=Damon Martin, Mike Heck|date=October 27, 2020|work=MMAFighting.com|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref>

=== Gamebred Fighting Championship ===
Nelson headlined Gamebred FC 4 in a bare-knuckle MMA bout against Dillon Cleckler on May 5, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Mike |date=2023-04-21 |title=Roy Nelson vs. Dillon Cleckler headlines Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle event on May 5 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/4/21/23691485/roy-nelson-vs-dillon-cleckler-announced-for-bare-knuckle-mma-jorge-masvidalgamebred-bareknuckle |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> He won the fight via knockout in round one.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA live stream, results: Roy Nelson vs. Dillon Cleckler |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/gamebred-bareknuckle-mma-results-roy-nelson-vs-dillon-cleckler-jorge-masvidal |website=MMA Junkie|date=May 6, 2023 }}</ref>

Nelson faced former [[Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship#Heavyweight Championship|BKFC Heavyweight Champion]] and [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] veteran [[Alan Belcher]] for inaugural Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Heavyweight Championship at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6 November 10, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/9/6/23861768/alan-belcher-faces-roy-nelson-gamebred-bareknuckle-mma-heavyweight-title-oct-28-jackson-mississippi|title=Alan Belcher faces Roy Nelson for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA heavyweight title following BKFC release|website=MMA Fighting|date=2023-09-06|access-date=2023-10-18}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Shatti |first=Shaun |date=2023-11-11 |title=Alan Belcher wins puzzling split decision over Roy Nelson at Gamebred Bareknuckle 6 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/11/11/23956421/alan-belcher-wins-puzzling-split-decision-over-roy-nelson-at-gamebred-bareknuckle-6 |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref>

==Fighting style==
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/roy-nelson-the-art-of-a-hundred-overhands|title=Fightland|date=January 22, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="fightland.vice.com"/>

Nelson is also known for having an iron chin.<ref name="fightland.vice.com"/><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/fight-doctor-big-countrys-granite-chin|title=Fightland|date=January 22, 2019 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1675576-roy-nelson-sets-ufc-record-in-loss-to-stipe-miocic|title = Roy Nelson Sets UFC Record of Significant Strikes Absorbed Without KO|website = [[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB"/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Nelson is married to Jess Nelson and they have a son.<ref name="Bellator">{{cite AV media|publisher=Bellator|quote=Bellator Countdown - Roy Nelson vs. Matt Mitrione: Episode 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jubL7S_BnM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/9jubL7S_BnM |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|date=February 9, 2018|title=Bellator Countdown - Roy Nelson vs. Matt Mitrione: Episode 1}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Nelson has a wife named Jess and a dog named Thor.

.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/09/everything-you-dont-know-about-roy-big-country-nel/?fighting |title=Everything you don't know about Roy 'Big Country' Nelson |accessdate=2010-04-11 |publisher=LASVEGASSUN.com |date=2010-04-09}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Bellator" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/100-fighter-nickname-origins-part-ii|title=100 fighter nickname origins, Part II|author=Chris Palmquist|date=October 30, 2014|publisher=mixedmartialarts.com}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==


===Mixed martial arts===
===Mixed martial arts===

*'''[[International Fight League]]'''
**First [[List of IFL champions|IFL Heavyweight Championship]]

*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
**[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights|The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights]] Tournament Winner
**[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights|The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Tournament Winner]]
**Knockout of the Night Honors (Two times)
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (One time)
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Knockout of the Night]] (Four times)

**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (One time)
===Grappling===
**'''UFC.com Awards'''
***2009: Ranked #2 Newcomer of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-newcomers-2009|title=Ten Best – The Newcomers of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 18, 2009|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>
***2014: Ranked #5 Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-knockouts-2014|title=Top Ten - The Knockouts of 2014|date=December 25, 2014|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>
*'''[[International Fight League]]'''
**[[List of IFL champions#Heavyweight Championship|IFL Heavyweight Championship]] (One time; first; last)
**[[2007 IFL Grand Prix#Heavyweight Grand Prix|IFL 2007 Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion]]
**Most consecutive title defenses in the Heavyweight division (2)
**Tied ([[Ryan Schultz]]) for most consecutive title defenses in the IFL (2)
**Tied ([[Ryan Schultz]]) for most title defenses in the IFL (2)
*'''Rage on the River'''
**Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Winner


===Submission grappling===
*'''[[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]'''
*'''[[Abu Dhabi Combat Club]]'''
**Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
**2003 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships Quarterfinalist
*'''[[Pan-American Championship (jiu jitsu)|Pan-American Championship Jiu Jitsu]]'''
**2005 Brown Belt (+100&nbsp;kg): 1st Place<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibjjf.com/results/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship-2005-results-2/ |title=Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2005 - Results - IBJJF - International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation |website=ibjjf.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524052310/http://ibjjf.com/results/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship-2005-results-2/ |archive-date=2017-05-24}}</ref>
**2003 Brown Belt (+100&nbsp;kg): 3rd Place<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibjjf.com/results/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship-2003-results/ |title=Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2003 - Results - IBJJF - International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation |website=ibjjf.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524052510/http://ibjjf.com/results/pan-jiu-jitsu-championship-2003-results/ |archive-date=2017-05-24}}</ref>
*'''[[Grapplers Quest]]'''
**2003 Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion


==Mixed martial arts record==
==Mixed martial arts record==
<!-- ALL THE HIDDEN SPANS ARE FOR PROPER TABLE SORTING. PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THEM UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. -->
{{MMArecordbox
{{MMArecordbox
|wins=15
|draws=
|losses=5
|nc=
|ko-wins=8
|ko-wins=16
|ko-losses=1
|ko-losses=3
|sub-wins=4
|sub-wins=5
|sub-losses=0
|sub-losses=
|dec-wins=3
|dec-wins=3
|dec-losses=4
|dec-losses=17
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
|other-wins=
|other-losses=
}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" style="font-size:85%; text-align:left; width:100%;"
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|Result
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|Record
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Opponent'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Method'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Event'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Date'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Round'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Time'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Location'''
!style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#e3e3e3;"|'''Notes'''
|-
|-
|{{N/A}}
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|24–20
|{{N/A}}
|[[Alan Belcher]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Frank Mir]]
|Decision (split)
|{{N/A}}
|Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6
|[[UFC 130|UFC 130: Edgar vs. Maynard 3]]
|{{dts|2011|May|28}}
|{{dts|2023|November|10}}
|{{N/A}}
|{{N/A}}
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
|
|-
|{{no2}} Loss
|align=center|15-5
|{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Junior dos Santos]]
|Decision (Unanimous)
|[[UFC 117|UFC 117: Silva vs. Sonnen]]
|{{dts|2010|August|07}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center| 5:00
|align=center|5:00
|[[Biloxi, Mississippi]], United States
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Oakland, California|Oakland]], [[California]]
|{{small|Bare knuckle MMA.}}
|<small>[[UFC]] [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]] title eliminator.
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|15-4
|align=center|24–19
|Dillon Cleckler
|{{Flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Stefan Struve]]
|TKO (Punches)
|TKO (punch)
|Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 4
|[[UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi]]
|{{dts|2010|March|31}}
|{{dts|2023|May|05}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:39
|align=center|3:24
|[[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]], United States
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], [[North Carolina]]
|<small>Knockout of the Night.
|{{small|Bare Knuckle MMA.}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|14-4
|align=center|23–19
|[[Valentin Moldavsky]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brendan Schaub]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|KO (Punch)
|[[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 244|Bellator 244]]
|[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale]]
|{{dts|2009|December|5}}
|{{dts|2020|August|21}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|3
|align='center'|3:45
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
|
|<small>Won [[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights|The Ultimate Fighter Season 10]] contest. Knockout of the Night.
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13-4
|align=center|23–18
|[[Frank Mir]]
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Jeff Monson]]
|Decision (Unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 231|Bellator 231]]
|March Badness
|{{dts|2019|October|25|format=mdy}}
|March 21, 2009
|align="center"|3
|align=center|3
|align="center"|5:00
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{Flag icon|US}} [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]], [[Florida]]
|
|<small>Bout result decision was appealed, but rejected.
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13-3
|align=center|23–17
|[[Mirko Filipović (fighter)|Mirko Cro Cop]]
|{{Flagicon|Belarus}} [[Andrei Arlovski]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|KO (Punch)
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 216|Bellator 216]]
|[[EliteXC: Heat]]
|{{dts|2019|February|16}}
|October 4, 2008
|align="center"|2
|align=center|3
|align="center"|3:14
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Sunrise, Florida|Sunrise]], [[Florida]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13-2
|align=center|23–16
|[[Sergei Kharitonov]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Brad Imes]]
|KO (punches and knee)
|TKO (Punches)
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 207|Bellator 207]]
|IFL – Connecticut
|{{dts|2008|May|16}}
|{{dts|2018|October|12|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|1
|align='center'|2:55
|align=center|4:59
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Oxoboxo River|Uncasville]], [[Connecticut]]
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|
|<small>Defended [[List of IFL champions|IFL Heavyweight Championship]].
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12-2
|align=center|23–15
|[[Matt Mitrione]]
|{{Flag icon|BRA}} [[Fabiano Scherner]]
|Decision (majority)
|TKO (Punches)
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 194|Bellator 194]]
|IFL – Las Vegas
|{{dts|link=off|2008|February|29}}
|{{dts|2018|February|16|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|3
|align='center'|3:20
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
|{{small|Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}
|<small>Defended [[List of IFL champions|IFL Heavyweight Championship]].
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11-2
|align=center|23–14
|[[Javy Ayala]]
|{{Flag icon|BRA}} [[Antoine Jaoude]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|KO (Punch)
|[[2017 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 183|Bellator 183]]
|IFL – World Grand Prix Finals
|{{dts|link=off|2007|December|29}}
|{{dts|2017|September|24|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|2
|align=center|3
|align='center'|0:22
|align=center|5:00
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Oxoboxo River|Uncasville]], [[Connecticut]]
|
|<small>Won inaugural [[List of IFL champions|IFL Heavyweight Championship]].
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10-2
|align=center|22–14
|[[Alexander Volkov (fighter)|Alexander Volkov]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Bryan Vetell]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|TKO (Punches)
|[[UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis]]
|IFL – World Grand Prix Semifinals
|{{dts|link=off|2007|November|3}}
|{{dts|2017|April|15|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|3
|align='center'|1:01
|align=center|5:00
|[[Kansas City, Missouri]], United States
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9-2
|align=center|22–13
|[[Antônio Silva (fighter)|Antônio Silva]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Shane Ott
| KO (punches)
|Decision (Unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Länsberg]]
|IFL – Las Vegas
|{{dts|link=off|2007|June|16}}
|{{dts|2016|September|24|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|2
|align='center'|4:00
|align=center|4:10
|[[Brasília]], Brazil
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|8-2
|align=center|21–13
|[[Derrick Lewis]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Ben Rothwell]]
|Decision (Split)
| Decision (split)
|[[UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez]]
|IFL – Moline
|{{dts|link=off|2007|April|7}}
|{{dts|2016|July|7|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|3
|align='center'|4:00
|align=center|5:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Moline, Illinois|Moline]], [[Illinois]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8-1
|align=center|21–12
|[[Jared Rosholt]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Mario Rinaldi (MMA)|Mario Rinaldi]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|TKO (Punches)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson]]
|[[BodogFight]] – Costa Rica
|{{dts|link=off|2007|February|17}}
|{{dts|2016|February|6|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|3
|align='center'|2:38
|align=center|5:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|{{Flag icon|Costa Rica}} [[Costa Rica]]
|
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|7-1
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Vince Lucero
|TKO (Punches)
|IFL – Oakland
|{{dts|link=off|2007|January|19}}
|align='center'|1
|align='center'|1:55
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Oakland, California|Oakland]], [[California]]
|
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|6-1
| align=center| 20–12
|[[Josh Barnett]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Josh Curran
|Decision (Unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson]]
|BodogFight – St.Petersburg
|{{dts|link=off|2006|December|16}}
|{{dts|2015|September|27|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|5
|align='center'|5:00
|align=center|5:00
|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|{{Flag icon|Russia}} [[Saint Petersburg]], [[Russia]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|6-0
|align=center| 20–11
| [[Alistair Overeem]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Jerome Smith
|Decision (unanimous)
|Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke)
|[[UFC 185]]
|FightForce: Butte Brawl 2
|{{dts|link=off|2006|July|22}}
|{{dts|2015|March|14|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|3
|align='center'|4:13
|align=center|5:00
|[[Dallas, Texas]], United States
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Butte, Montana|Butte]], [[Montana]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|5-0
|align=center| 20–10
| [[Mark Hunt]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Jason Godsey
| KO (punch)
|Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Nelson]]
|FightForce: Butte Brawl 1
|{{dts|link=off|2006|May|6}}
| {{dts|2014|September|20|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|2
|align='center'|4:42
|align=center|3:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Butte, Montana|Butte]], [[Montana]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|4-0
|align=center| 20–9
| [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Michael Buchkovich
| KO (punch)
|Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson]]
|WEF – Orleans Arena
|{{dts|link=off|2006|April|1}}
| {{dts|2014|April|11|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|1
|align=center|1
|align='center'|0:56
|align=center|3:37
| [[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|3-0
|align=center| 19–9
| [[Daniel Cormier]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Ray Seraille
| Decision (unanimous)
|Submission (Punches)
| [[UFC 166]]
|PXC 3: Return of the Enforcer
|{{dts|link=off|2004|August|28}}
| {{dts|2013|October|19|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|2
|align=center|3
|align='center'|3:41
|align=center|5:00
| [[Houston, Texas]], United States
|{{Flag icon|Guam}} [[Mangilao, Guam|Mangilao]], [[Guam]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|2-0
|align=center| 19–8
| [[Stipe Miocic]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} Jerry Vrbanovic
|Decision (Split)
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 161]]
|Rage on the River
|{{dts|link=off|2004|April|17}}
| {{dts|2013|June|15|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|3
|align='center'|3:00
|align=center|5:00
| [[Winnipeg, Manitoba]], Canada
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Redding, California|Redding]], [[California]]
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 19–7
| [[Cheick Kongo]]
|KO (punches)
| [[UFC 159]]
| {{dts|2013|April|27|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:03
| [[Newark, New Jersey]], United States
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 18–7
| [[Matt Mitrione]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson#The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale]]
| {{dts|2012|December|15|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:58
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1-0
|align=center| 17–7
| [[Dave Herman (fighter)|Dave Herman]]
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Bo Cantrell]]
|KO (punch)
|Submission (Hammerlock)
| [[UFC 146]]
|Rage on the River
|{{dts|link=off|2004|April|17}}
| {{dts|2012|May|26|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|1
|align='center'|2:52
|align=center|0:51
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|{{Flag icon|USA}} [[Redding, California|Redding]], [[California]]
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 16–7
| [[Fabrício Werdum]]
|Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 143]]
| {{dts|2012|February|4|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 16–6
| [[Mirko Cro Cop]]
|TKO (punches)
| [[UFC 137]]
| {{dts|2011|October|29|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 1:30
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|
|}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 15–6
| [[Frank Mir]]
|Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 130]]
| {{dts|2011|May|28|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 15–5
| [[Junior dos Santos]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 117]]
| {{dts|2010|August|07|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
| [[Oakland, California]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 15–4
| [[Stefan Struve]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi]]
| {{dts|2010|March|31|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:39
| [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], United States
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 14–4
| [[Brendan Schaub]]
| KO (punch)
| [[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights#The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale]]
| {{dts|2009|December|5|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:45
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| {{small|Won [[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights|The Ultimate Fighter 10]] Tournament. Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 13–4
|[[Jeff Monson]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| SRP: March Badness
| {{dts|2009|March|21|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
| [[Pensacola, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 13–3
| [[Andrei Arlovski]]
| KO (punch)
| [[EliteXC: Heat]]
| {{dts|2008|October|4|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 3:14
| [[Sunrise, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 13–2
| [[Brad Imes]]
| KO (punch)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: Connecticut]]
| {{dts|2008|May|16|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center|3:55
| [[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[List of IFL champions#Heavyweight Championship|IFL Heavyweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 12–2
|[[Fabiano Scherner]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: Las Vegas]]
| {{dts|2008|February|29|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:20
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[List of IFL champions#Heavyweight Championship|IFL Heavyweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 11–2
| [[Antoine Jaoude]]
| KO (punch)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: World Grand Prix Finals]]
| {{dts|2007|December|29|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 0:22
| [[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
| {{small|Won the inaugural [[List of IFL champions#Heavyweight Championship|IFL Heavyweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 10–2
|Bryan Vetell
| TKO (punches)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: World Grand Prix Semifinals]]
| {{dts|2007|November|3|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 1:01
| [[Chicago, Illinois]], United States
| {{small|IFL 2007 Heavyweight GP Semi-final.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 9–2
|Shane Ott
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: Las Vegas]]
| {{dts|2007|June|16|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 4:00
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 8–2
| [[Ben Rothwell]]
| Decision (split)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: Moline]]
| {{dts|2007|April|7|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 4:00
| [[Moline, Illinois]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 8–1
| Mario Rinaldi
| TKO (punches)
| BodogFIGHT: Costa Rica Combat
| {{dts|2007|February|17|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:38
| [[San José, Costa Rica|San José]], Costa Rica
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 7–1
|Vince Lucero
| TKO (punches)
| [[International Fight League|IFL: Oakland]]
| {{dts|2007|January|19|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:55
| [[Oakland, California]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 6–1
| Josh Curran
| Decision (unanimous)
| BodogFIGHT: Clash of Nations
| {{dts|2006|December|16|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
| [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 6–0
|Jerome Smith
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| FightForce: Butte Brawl 2
| {{dts|2006|July|22|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:13
| [[Butte, Montana]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 5–0
|Jason Godsey
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| FightForce: Butte Brawl 1
| {{dts|2006|May|6|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:42
| [[Butte, Montana]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 4–0
|Michael Buchkovich
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| World Extreme Fighting 17
| {{dts|2006|April|1|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:56
| [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 3–0
|Ray Seraile
| TKO (submission to punches)
| PXC 3: Return of the Enforcer
| {{dts|2004|August|28|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 3:41
| [[Mangilao]], Guam
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 2–0
|Jerry Vrbanovic
| Decision (split)
| rowspan=2|Rage on the River
| rowspan=2|{{dts|2004|April|17|format=mdy}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 3:00
| rowspan=2|[[Redding, California]], United States
| {{small|Won the Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
|Bo Cantrell
| Submission (hammerlock)
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 2:52
| {{small|Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament Semi-final.}}
{{end}}


===Mixed martial arts exhibition record===
===Mixed martial arts exhibition record===
{{MMA exhibition record box
{{MMArecordbox
|wins=3
|wins=3
|losses=0
|losses=0
|ko-wins=2
|ko-wins=2
|ko-losses=0
|ko-losses=
|sub-wins=0
|sub-wins=
|sub-losses=0
|sub-losses=
|dec-wins=1
|dec-wins=1
|dec-losses=0
|dec-losses=
}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}

| {{yes2}}Win
{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" style="font-size:85%; text-align:left;"<!-- width:100%; -->
|align=center| 3–0
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Result'''
| [[James McSweeney]]
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Record'''
| TKO (punches)
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Opponent'''
| rowspan=3|[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights]]
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Method'''
| December 2, 2009 (air date)
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Event'''
|align=center| 1
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Date'''
|align=center| 4:13
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Round'''
| rowspan=3|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Time'''
| {{small|Semi-finals.}}
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Location'''
| align="center" style="border-style:none none solid solid; background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Notes'''
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|3-0
|align=center| 2–0
| [[Justin Wren]]
|{{flagicon|England}} [[James McSweeney]]
| Decision (majority)
|TKO (Strikes)
| November 11, 2009 (air date)
|[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights]]
|align=center| 2
|
|align=center|1
|align=center| 5:00
| {{small|Quarter-finals.}}
|align=center|
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|{{small|Semi-finals}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|2-0
|align=center| 1–0
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Justin Wren]]
| [[Kimbo Slice]]
| TKO (punches)
|Decision (Majority)
| June 10, 2009, aired on September 30, 2009
|[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights]]
|align=center| 2
|
|align=center|2
|align=center| 2:01
| {{small|Preliminary bout.}}
|align=center|5:00
{{end}}
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Roy-Nelson-10249|title=Roy|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-10-13}}</ref>
|{{small|Quarter-finals}}

|-
==See also==
|{{yes2}}Win
* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]
|align=center|1-0
|{{flagicon|Bahamas}} [[Kimbo Slice]]
|TKO (Strikes)
|[[The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights]]
|{{dts|link=off|2009|June|10}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:01
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
|{{small| Preliminary bout}}
|-
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/f/8B9C544261295E05/Roy-Nelson/ Roy Nelson's Official MMA Record]
* [http://www.roynelson.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.roynelson.com/ Official website]
*[http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Roy-Nelson Official UFC Profile]
* {{Sherdog|id=10249|name=Roy Nelson}}
* {{Sherdog}}


{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
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{{end}}
{{end}}


{{The Ultimate Fighter 10}}
{{The Ultimate Fighter}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME =Nelson, Roy
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =year=1976
| PLACE OF BIRTH =[[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], [[United States]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Roy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Roy}}
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:American submission wrestlers]]
[[Category:American wushu practitioners]]
[[Category:American wushu practitioners]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Las Vegas, Nevada]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Nevada]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Nevada]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Shaolin Kung Fu]]

[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing karate]]
[[de:Roy Nelson]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing]]
[[fr:Roy Nelson]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[ja:ロイ・ネルソン]]
[[Category:The Ultimate Fighter winners]]
[[pt:Roy Nelson]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Bellator male fighters]]

Latest revision as of 20:37, 29 December 2024

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)
Weight249 lb (113 kg; 17 st 11 lb)
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[1]
Black sash in Kung Fu[1]
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)[2] 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.[3][4][5] 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[6] 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,[7] 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,[8][9] and competing at the ADCC World Championships the same year.[10]

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,[11] 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,[12] 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.[13][14] 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.[15][16]

The Ultimate Fighter

[edit]

Nelson was one of the sixteen fighters in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights.[17] He provided commentary on the show for multiple websites, including weekly Q&A sessions about each individual episode for USA Today's Fighting Stances[18] and a blog for SpikeTV.com.[19] 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.[20] The broadcast was the highest rated MMA show in U.S. history with a 3.7 rating. The fight itself had 6 million viewers.[21]

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

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.[28] 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.[29]

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

Nelson faced Mirko Cro Cop on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137 and won by TKO in the third round.[32]

Nelson next fought the returning Fabrício Werdum at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012.[33] 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.[34] Nelson was then briefly expected to face Gabriel Gonzaga.[35] However, Gonzaga himself was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Dave Herman,[36] 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".[37]

It was announced on July 12, 2012, that Nelson would be coaching on the show, The Ultimate Fighter, against fellow heavyweight Shane Carwin,[38] with the two expected to face each other on December 15, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.[39] 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.[40] Nelson defeated Mitrione via first-round TKO.

Nelson faced Cheick Kongo on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159.[41] 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.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44] After dropping Nogueira several times with punches in the first round, Nelson finished the fight via knockout with an overhand right.[45][46] The win also earned Nelson his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[47] Nelson broke his right hand during the fight for which he required surgery in order to repair.[48]

Nelson next faced Mark Hunt on September 20, 2014, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 52.[49] 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.[50] 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.[51] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Nelson faced Jared Rosholt on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.[52] He won the fight by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28).[53]

Nelson faced Derrick Lewis on July 7, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 90[54] Even though breaking his personal record of most takedowns in a fight with 7, Nelson lost via split decision.[55]

Nelson faced Antônio Silva on September 24, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 95.[56] He won the fight by knockout in the second round.[57] After the fight, out of frustration with what he thought was a late stoppage, Nelson push-kicked referee John McCarthy.[58]

Nelson faced Alexander Volkov on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[59] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[60]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

In May 2017, it was announced that Nelson's contract with the UFC had expired in April[61] and that he had a signed multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.[62]

In his debut Nelson faced Javy Ayala at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017.[63] He won the fight by unanimous decision in what was his first non-UFC related match in nearly 8 years.[61]

Nelson faced Matt Mitrione in the quarterfinal round of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament at Bellator 194 on February 16, 2018.[64] He lost the fight via majority decision.[65]

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.[66]

Nelson faced Sergei Kharitonov in the Bellator 207 co-main event on October 12, 2018.[67] He lost the fight via knockout in round one.[68]

The rematch against Mirko Cro Cop eventually took place on February 16, 2019, at Bellator 216.[69] Nelson lost the fight by unanimous decision.[70]

Nelson faced Valentin Moldavsky at Bellator 244 on August 21, 2020.[71] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[72]

On October 27, 2020, it was revealed that Nelson had been released from his Bellator MMA contract.[73]

Gamebred Fighting Championship

[edit]

Nelson headlined Gamebred FC 4 in a bare-knuckle MMA bout against Dillon Cleckler on May 5, 2023.[74] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[75]

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.[76] He lost the fight via split decision.[77]

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.[78][6]

Nelson is also known for having an iron chin.[6][79] 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.[80][79]

Personal life

[edit]

Nelson is married to Jess Nelson and they have a son.[81]

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.[81][82]

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.

[87]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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  2. ^ "Roy Nelson". ESPN.GO.COM. June 22, 2010. Archived from the original on March 20, 2010. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
  3. ^ Kelly, Michael. "FIGHT DOCTOR: BIG COUNTRY'S GRANITE CHIN". fightland.vice.com/. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Matuszak, Sascha (January 22, 2019). "THE GOLDEN BELL: THE SECRET TO ROY NELSON'S IRON CHIN". fightland.vice.com/. vice.
  6. ^ a b c "Fightland". January 22, 2019.
  7. ^ "Everything you don't know about Roy 'Big Country' Nelson". April 9, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  8. ^ Curreri, Frank (May 26, 2011). "Eight Years Later, Nelson Aims For 2-0 Against Mir". UFC.com. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship 2003". ADCC. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  11. ^ "Roy "Big Country" Nelson Profile". Kenshamrock.com. December 30, 2010. Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "Roy Nelson Interview". www.octagonbuzz.com. October 9, 2008.
  14. ^ "MMANews.com Exclusive: Interview With Roy Nelson". www.mmanews.com. October 8, 2008.
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  16. ^ "Monson earns controversial win, Lashley smothers Guida at "March Badness"". mmajunkie.com. March 22, 2009. Archived from the original on September 9, 2011.
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  87. ^ 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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