In a battle of former TUF 10 cast members, Roy Nelson will now meet Matt Mitrione at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale on Dec. 15 in Las Vegas, MMAFighting.com learned from sources close to the event.
When contacted by MMAFighting.com, both Mitrione, as well as Nelson’s camp declined to comment on the pending fight. According to sources, though, both fighters have verbally agreed to meet next month.
The news comes just a day after Shane Carwin pulled out of the Nelson bout due to an injured knee.
Mitrione (5-1) hasn’t fought since Oct. 2011 due to injuries and timing issues. He most recently lost to Cheick Kongo at UFC 139 via unanimous decision. He was scheduled to meet Phil De Fries at UFC 155 on Dec. 29 but that fight is no longer happening. No word just yet on who De Fries will fight next.
Nelson (17-7) most recently knocked out Dave Herman at UFC 146. He is currently a coach, opposite Carwin, on TUF 16.
The heavyweight tilt, scheduled for five rounds, will serve as the main event of the FX-televised card.