Roy Nelson

Roy Nelson known as “Big Country” is a professional mixed martial artist born on June 20, 1976. He is an American who is currently signed under the Ultimate Fighting Championship and competing in the heavyweight division. Aside from the UFC, Neslon also had tried competing in several other promotions including BodogFight and Elite XS. As of April 2016, he is ranked 10th in his division by the UFC. Some of his notable wins include those with Matt Mitrione, Brendan Schaub and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

The heavyweight fighter was born in buzzing Las Vegas. He was an athletic teenager and had competed in baseball, football and wrestling during his time at Cimarron-Memorial High School. When he was 16, he started training in Shaolin Kung Fu and in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he was 20. He is a long-time student of famed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master, Renzo Grazie. In 2009, he was awarded his black belt. By 2004, Nelson made his professional debut in mixed martial arts and started with a 6-1 record before signing under IFL, where he became the first and only heavyweight champion. After IFL, he signed under EliteXC before joining the Ultimate Fighter. In 2010, he made his debut in the UFC.

The 39-year old fighter stands 6 feet and comes with a 72-inch reach. His main styles of fighting include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and Shaolin Kung Fu. Aside from his black belt in BJJ, he also comes with a black sash in Kung Fu. Since 2004, Nelson accumulated a mixed martial arts record of 33 fights with 21 wins 12 losses.

Some of his accomplishments in mixed martial arts include a one-time Fight of the Night, a four-time Knockout of the Night and a one-time Performance of the Night under the UFC. He was also the winner of the Ultimate fighter: Heavyweights Tournament and the Rage on the River Heavyweight Tournament.