Roy Nelson: "Big hillbilly" UFC wins

At first glance, Roy Nelson does not look like a fighter of mixed martial arts. Rather, it resembles a pub frequenter. No wonder fans gave Roy the nickname "Big hillbilly!" However, it should not be underestimated. Behind this man a lot of brilliant victories, achieved at the expense of incredible endurance, good fight and crown right overhenda.

Early career

Before signing in the UFC, "Big hillbilly" engaged in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of Renzo Gracie. This form of martial arts he managed to achieve spectacular success - was to obtain evidence of a black belt. Struggle greatly helped Roy in future battles against stronger opponents.

The UFC can be accessed in different ways. One of them is to participate in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Representatives of the company take off and battle training young fighters. The winner gets a contract with the biggest promotion in the world. Roy Nelson collided with Kimbo Slice and Brendan Schaub - experienced opponents, but successfully overcame them. Winning the TUF gave "redneck" to take part in professional fights.

The fighting Roy Nelson

The first opponent in the UFC has become part of the Dutchman Stefan Struve nicknamed "Skyscraper". Struve - the highest promotion for the fighter known good fight and a good blow. However, he had never been a spectacular endurance. Nelson sent a powerful opponent in the knockout blow at the end of the first round, causing delight of spectators.

Guide UFC, it was decided to put Roy against one of the strongest fighters of the division - Brazilian Junior dos Santos. On such a powerful opponent of skills "redneck" is not enough. Due to its speed did not allow the Brazilian Nelson overhend hold or use the struggle, and the "bombing" of powerful attacks from a distance. The battle ended in a unanimous decision in favor of Santos. Despite the defeat, Roy even more liked by the audience, because he was the first one who stayed with the mighty Brazilians to the decisions of the judges!

This was followed by the defeat of another experienced representative MMA - Frank Mir. This fight is not turned so bright. UFC president Dana White has criticized Roy for poor physical shape. He said that in the future is going to lose weight, to fight in the light heavyweight division. It must be said, a promise he never kept.

Return to the operation

A series of two losses was interrupted by a resounding victory over the veteran MMA Mirko Cro Cop. Being one of the most popular fighters in the world, Cro Cop saw the favorite, but all the regalia are not saved him by knockout in the third round.

Then - another attempt to compete with the top. They became Fabricio Werdum, the master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the first person who defeated Fedor Emelianenko. Roy Nelson lost, but the fight was so spectacular that the participants received a bonus for the best performance of the evening.

After this battle, experts realized that Roy is unlikely to ever become the champion of the UFC, but his skill is enough for fighters outside the top-10. "Great redneck" was assigned the role of "gatekeeper". He "tested" the representatives of a heavy weight, applying for entry in the top 10. Defeat Roy - welcome to the list of the best. Lose - well, train more.

In the future, Roy Nelson alternated wins with the defeats. He defeated Matt Mitrione, Cheick Congo, Dave Herman, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Antonio Silva, but lost to Mark Hunt, Alistair Overeem, Josh Barnett, Derrick Lewis (debatable) and Russian Alexander Volkov. Who is "redneck" is preparing to restart his career, moving from the UFC Bellator.

Roy Nelson: Statistics and style

The manner of the fight, "Big redneck" is not too tricky, but it is effective. Nelson gently moves around the enemy and waits for the right moment for a overhendom. If the opponent is itself a rapprochement, used the fight. "Cast iron" chin helps Roy withstand strong impact. Send it to the knockout managed only a strong "shock troops" - Andrei Arlovski and Mark Hunt.

Alas, soon figured out rivals manner of conducting the Nelson fight and successfully used its shortcomings. Roy Nelson great weight, low speed and unsophisticated style does not give a "redneck" enter the top-10, but it can still please fans of bright and memorable fights. Perhaps fighter finds himself in Bellator?