Roy Nelson knocked Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira out cold in the main event of UFC Fight Night 39. It was not a shocking result, but it was certainly a sad one.
No one likes to see legends go out like that, but it was evident from the outset that the outcome was likely. Nogueira was slow and plodding. He was no threat to take the fight to the mat. Nelson has good technique in his hands, but more important in this scenario was the power he possesses.
Nelson starched the longtime great.
“Big Country” got a much-needed result while putting down the legend.
Pre-Fight
The announcers tried to put over how good Nogueira was feeling leading up to this fight, but it was clear that he is not the same fighter he was before. Nothing about him entering this fight gave anyone hope that it would be competitive.
Round 1
Nogueira tried to utilize his jab and push Nelson backward. Nelson circled well. He dropped the legend not once but twice before delivering the final KO blow.
Nogueira was never a threat in the bout. Nelson simply took his time. When the moment finally arrived, he pasted Nogueira with a patented overhand right that sent the Brazilian down for good. Thankfully, Big Country did not follow up with strikes.
Post-Fight
The medical staff and officials gathered around Nogueira, while Big Country celebrated his knockout performance. This big win for Nelson inches him closer to being back in the spot he wants to be in the heavyweight division.
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