Entering UFC Fight Night 39 with back-to-back losses, Roy Nelson needed to turn in a strong showing against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira on Friday.
It would be an understatement to say that “Big Country” simply saved his job with a knockout win over the Brazilian. With a completely dominant performance against the former interim heavyweight champion, Nelson showed he more than deserves a spot in the UFC heavyweight division.
He should be viewed as a legitimate title contender again and could be one more huge victory away from earning a shot at the championship.
With that in mind, UFC matchmakers now have plenty of options for Nelson. Here are the fights that should be next for The Ultimate Fighter 10 winner and the rest of the UFC Fight Night 39 competitors.