Bleacher Report’s Michael Evans:
Roy Nelson always strives to stay relevant and compete against some of the top fighters.
It just so happens, he’ll face off against Frank Mir at UFC 130. Mir is considered by many to be one the best heavyweights in mixed martial arts, holding victories over former champions Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Brock Lesnar.
Nelson told MMAJunkie.com he is content to square off against Mir, but he expects a title shot in return.
“I’ll fight anybody, and I want to fight everybody, but whatever is going to get me to the top fastest,” Nelson said.
Nelson has made an impact since arriving in the UFC three years ago, completing a sweep of The Ultimate Fighter en route to eventually winning a UFC contract. He has picked up victories over heavyweight prospects Brendan Schaub and Stefan Struve.
Nelson also shares some history with the former UFC heavyweight champion, as both competitors competed in a grappling match that saw Nelson earn the victory in 2003.
Both men have become completely different fighters since then, and according to Nelson, beating Mir shouldn’t be much different this time around.
“You’re a little bit older and wiser,” he said. “In my case, I’d be a bit stronger, bigger and faster.”