Roy Nelson‘s victory over Dave Herman at UFC 146 kept the rotund competitor from remaining irrelevant in the UFC heavyweight division.
Now, he looks to take it one step further and earn a win over one of the sport’s most respected veterans.
Nelson appeared on Sherdog Radio Network and said he wants to face the winner of an upcoming bout between Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Cheick Kongo at UFC 149.
“I’ll take the winner out of Big Nog and Cheick Kongo. I’d love that fight,” Nelson said. “Because if you’re in the UFC, you’re the best in the world. You can fight that guy and be the next title contender.”
Nelson’s stock could certainly rise by earning a win over either fighter, but it isn’t likely going to improve his chances at receiving a title shot.
He has gained victories over respectable opposition like Mirko Cro Cop and Stefan Struve, but “Big Country” has yet to be credited with a notable win over some of the division’s top contenders; since 2009, Nelson is 4-3 in the Octagon.
Critics have attributed some of Nelson’s recent losses to his weight, forcing UFC president Dana White to convince him to drop to 205 pounds.
But for now, Nelson’s future appears to be safe.
However it will take more than a few wins for Nelson to prove he belongs at the top of the division.
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