ROY NELSON

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

HENDO’S RIGHT LONG STRAIGHT

Level 2—Both Standing, Striking Range

“Big Country” takes a page out of legendary UFC fighter Dan “Hendo” Henderson’s book by mimicking his heavy right straight. Crack rivals from afar with this excellent technique strike.

SHOOT TO SINGLE LEG TAKEDOWN

Level 3—Double Underhook, Offense

Nelson’s takedowns become even more effective when he attempts them from the clinch. He also knows plenty of clinch throws, such as suplexes, but this reliable single leg is available in many different clinches.

TRANSITION TO SIDE CONTROL, TOP

Level 1—Open Guard, Top

Use this handy technique to move Nelson from his opponent’s Open Guard all the way to Side Control, skipping past Half Guard entirely. Now he can move to Mount and deliver some of his brutal ground-and-pound.

STRENGTHS

• Well rounded

• World-class experience

• Knockout power

Roy “Big Country” Nelson is a big, strong heavyweight with a long MMA career and several memorable showdowns inside the Octagon.

Known for his striking power and durability, as well as his crushing top game when grappling on the ground, “Big Country” uses his size to his utmost advantage in every position during a fight.

He’s not a great kicker, but he can throw his heavy hands with impressive range and accuracy, hammering his rivals with long, strong shots on the feet.

Nelson also has good takedown ability and can drive his rivals to the mat even more effectively from the clinch.

He’s a bear on top when the action hits the ground—shoot to bring his opponents down, then use his superior grappling ability to pass to dominant position, where his heavy ground-and-pound can be most effective.

WEAKNESSES

• Speed

• Kicks

• Takedown defense

Though Nelson hits hard on the feet, his top grappling game is his greatest strength in a fight—avoid his takedowns by remaining wary of them at all times and ready to sprawl to stuff his shots.

Respect his punching power and exploit his lack of kicking ability by working him over with sharp leg kicks and body kicks from the outside.

Mix in quick, long punches as well to keep him guessing, and use feints to make him react if he’s looking to counter.

Outmaneuver the lumbering Nelson on the feet to exploit his greatest weakness, and try to catch him with quick strikes in the stand-up exchanges.

Don’t give him the chance to impose his dominant ground grappling game or you may be in for a long and grueling night.