Tag: Roy Nelson

[VIDEO] 5 Things We Learned From ‘UFC Primetime: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos III’ Episode 1

(Video via the UFC’s Youtube page)

In advance of their UFC 166 world heavyweight title main event on October 19th, champion Cain Velasquez and challenger Junior Dos Santos are being featured in another UFC Primetime documentary series. Episode 1 premiered Wednesday night and already began to reveal a number of interesting tidbits about the fighters and their training camps heading into the rubber match of their trilogy.

1. Junior Dos Santos may be challenging Georges St. Pierre for having the most scientific training camp in the world.

Dos Santos demonstrated incredible will and conditioning throughout the five-round beating he took from Velasquez in their second fight so it was amazing to hear that he wasn’t at his best for the fight, physically. In fact, the then-champion had over-trained for the fight, resulting in a nasty condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle fibers were breaking off and let loose into his blood stream.

To make sure that doesn’t happen again to him this training camp, we learned in last night’s episode that Dos Santos has employed a group of scientists who constantly test his blood. He gets his blood drawn at home, he gets it drawn at the gym right before sparring and the white coats spend the rest of the day testing and analyzing his samples and preparing reports for Junior and his team. Dos Santos’ sophisticated strength and conditioning program is informed by that blood work.

By the looks of it, this is some of the most scientific preparation we’ve seen outside of Georges St. Pierre doing gymnastics and benefiting from the French-Canadian supplement-wrestling complex.

2. Daniel Cormier doesn’t plan on showering after he fights Roy Nelson.


(Video via the UFC’s Youtube page)

In advance of their UFC 166 world heavyweight title main event on October 19th, champion Cain Velasquez and challenger Junior Dos Santos are being featured in another UFC Primetime documentary series. Episode 1 premiered Wednesday night and already began to reveal a number of interesting tidbits about the fighters and their training camps heading into the rubber match of their trilogy.

1. Junior Dos Santos may be challenging Georges St. Pierre for having the most scientific training camp in the world.

Dos Santos demonstrated incredible will and conditioning throughout the five-round beating he took from Velasquez in their second fight so it was amazing to hear that he wasn’t at his best for the fight, physically. In fact, the then-champion had over-trained for the fight, resulting in a nasty condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle fibers were breaking off and let loose into his blood stream.

To make sure that doesn’t happen again to him this training camp, we learned in last night’s episode that Dos Santos has employed a group of scientists who constantly test his blood. He gets his blood drawn at home, he gets it drawn at the gym right before sparring and the white coats spend the rest of the day testing and analyzing his samples and preparing reports for Junior and his team. Dos Santos’ sophisticated strength and conditioning program is informed by that blood work.

By the looks of it, this is some of the most scientific preparation we’ve seen outside of Georges St. Pierre doing gymnastics and benefiting from the French-Canadian supplement-wrestling complex.

2. Daniel Cormier doesn’t plan on showering after he fights Roy Nelson.

It would seem that showering after rolling around with an unkempt guy like “Big Country” would be a good idea — you know, to get the hair balls out and to ward off tetanus — but Velasquez’s coach/teammate Daniel Cormier says he won’t have time to shower after facing Nelson in their UFC 166 co-main event. In addition to being a sparring partner of Cain’s at American Kickboxing Academy (more on that below) and being the #3 UFC-ranked heavyweight in the world, Cormier is the champ’s wrestling coach and Velasquez does not feel comfortable fighting without the Olympian in his corner.

Because of this, Cormier will have to rush from the Octagon after fighting Nelson and get right to Cain’s corner. No time for showering, you see.

3. Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez beat the crap out of one another three times a week.

Cormier and Velasquez are teammates in the same weight division (for now) so, of course, they are sparring partners. In episode 1 of UFC Primetime: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos, however, we get to watch one of their thrice-weekly sparring sessions and they go pretty darn hard. This ain’t no timing sparring going on here, these two get after it. No wonder they each have confidence heading into their fights.

4. Junior Dos Santos may be the most bitter, happy guy in the world.

We all know Junior as a smiling, KO machine with nary a bad word to say about anyone not named Alistair Overeem, but his last loss to Velasquez and the commentary during and after it have clearly rubbed the #1 contender the wrong way. Primetime takes us into the home of Dos Santos as he watches tape of his loss to Cain and listens to the television commentators marvel at Velasquez’s whooping of him and say that “this is the real Cain Velasquez.” You know, as opposed to the impostor that Junior beat with ease when he himself had a torn meniscus in 2011.

His anger at the way his fight was called bubbles up throughout the episode for Dos Santos. There’s also lots of footage of him fighting and playing around with friends, but make no mistake — the ex-champ is going into this rubber-match with a major chip on his shoulder.

5. JDS has a secret Russian wrestling weapon and his name is Khetag Pliev.

In addition to getting punched and kicked around the Octagon for five rounds by Velasquez, Dos Santos was handily out-wrestled and out-hustled by Cain. To help improve his wrestling, Dos Santos flew in 2012 wrestling Olympian Khetag Pliev. The Russian says that Dos Santos is getting harder to take down for him and in the episode we see Junior using lots of takedowns in his own sparring. Will it make a difference? Shoot us your predictions for Cain vs. JDS III in the comments section…

Roy Nelson Posts Picture of Himself Lean and in Shape

The inflated, potbelly-rubbing Roy Nelson is no more.
“Big Country” recently posted a photo of himself on Facebook preparing for his big fight against Daniel Cormier in the co-main event of UFC 166.
Despite the massive beard still attached …

The inflated, potbelly-rubbing Roy Nelson is no more.

“Big Country” recently posted a photo of himself on Facebook preparing for his big fight against Daniel Cormier in the co-main event of UFC 166.

Despite the massive beard still attached to his chin, Nelson is looking noticeably slimmer in the photo. It appears he is taking dieting and training more seriously this time around, which is something he hasn’t always done in the past.  

A year ago, UFC welterweight Dan Hardy told Fighters Only that he cut ties training with Nelson due to a difference in opinion on training ethics. According to Hardy, he liked to train and Nelson “liked cake.”

UFC President Dana White, in particular, has never been a fan of Nelson’s image. During an appearance on Fox 11 Los Angeles, White called him the “ultimate underachiever:”

I call him the ultimate underachiever. This guy, he’ll come to me and say, “I want more sponsors, I got this, that…” He’s got a mullet down to the middle of his back. …And a huge beard, a beard that almost covers the belly and that’s saying something. I always tell him, “Somebody’s going to want to put their company logo on that?”

…If the guy took his career this serious—[motions for tiny amount]—what will he be able to do? What could he accomplish?

Perhaps Nelson has finally seen the light.

Fans will certainly miss the potbellied humor if things stay on track. For some, Nelson represented the average Joe competing as a professional athlete. He shed the chiseled-out-of-stone, Greek god image of the modern-day heavyweight.

Still, Nelson is now 37 years old, and his window is quickly closing in the sport. It really comes down to how he wants to be remembered when the final curtains close and the swan song has sounded on his career.

Does he want to be remembered as an end-of-the-line, top-10 heavyweight who willfully became the butt of everyone’s joke? Or is he finally ready to shed the jokester image and make one final push to contend for a UFC title?

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Is Josh Barnett a Legitimate Heavyweight Threat?

At UFC 164, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett out-struck and pummeled another former champion in Frank Mir. The latter fighter was once one of the most feared heavyweights in his division. However, with his third consecutive loss, UFC presid…

At UFC 164, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett out-struck and pummeled another former champion in Frank Mir. The latter fighter was once one of the most feared heavyweights in his division. However, with his third consecutive loss, UFC president Dana White stated that Mir’s career would be in jeopardy with another defeat.

On the other hand, Barnett, after 11 years away, returned to the UFC on August 31, 2013. He scored a technical knockout win over a formidable Mir, and reestablished himself as one of the best heavyweights in the world.

By defeating Mir, Barnett earned a No. 6 ranking on the UFC’s Top-10 heavyweight list. Given the opponents who occupy the No. 1 through No. 5 slots, the former world champion appears to have a legitimate shot at capturing another UFC world title before retiring.

 

Josh Barnett vs. Travis Browne

Barnett (33-6) and Browne (15-1-1) are slated to fight on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168. Although Browne is the No. 5 contender, a matchup against a seasoned opponent in Barnett will most likely lead to his undoing.

Aside from the tremendous in-Octagon experience advantage Barnett possesses over Browne, the former world champion is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace. 20 of Barnett’s 33 wins have come by way of submission. His grappling will most likely be on display and employed to contend with Browne’s height (6’7’’) and reach advantage (80”) at UFC 168.

 

Josh Barnett vs. Fabricio Werdum

Werdum is the No. 3 heavyweight contender, according to the UFC. In this matchup, experience would again play a factor in determining the outcome of this fight. However, it would also be of great interest to witness the way in which these two world-class grapplers engage one another in the Octagon.

Both are highly skilled on the ground and possess the ability to submit anyone in the heavyweight division. Barnett, however, has illustrated boxing talents that appear slightly more advanced than those of Werdum.

A Barnett/Werdum matchup would redefine the heavyweight division and more than likely grant the victor the opportunity to face the champion. 

 

Josh Barnett vs. Daniel Cormier

A Barnett/Cormier matchup would have been a must-see event. The two fought to a decision at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier in 2012. The former came up short in securing the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix title. Therefore, a second matchup between would have seemed logical in determining the division’s No. 1 contender.

However, following his bout against Roy Nelson at UFC 166, Cormier plans on moving to the light heavyweight division. The move appears to benefit Barnett, as Cormier’s current No. 2 slot will need to be filled. In that case, besting one of the aforementioned fighters should prep Barnett for a title shot.

 

 

Josh Barnett’s Heavyweight Title Hopes

At 35 years old, realistically, Barnett has just one opportunity to attempt a run at the title. In an interview with Fight Magazine, Barnett stated:

Logically, if I’m going out there and crushing everybody, then I’m going to get a title shot; and I really don’t see it as something that’s avoidable for my opponents or for the company at some point….Not to mention, I’ve already got a pretty gold belt. It’s also a matter of me showing like, ‘Hey, I’m still the champ. I’m gonna take that belt back and put it in its right hands.’

Barnett has already beaten a variety of former world champions in the form of Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Randy Couture and Semmy Schilt. The Warmaster’s focus, experience and world-class grappling make the former UFC champion more than a legitimate threat to the heavyweight title.

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Photo of the Day: “Big Country” Nelson Is Now Just “Country” Nelson


(Well, at least they aren’t fist-posing. Photo via Nelson’s Facebook.)

Yep, that’s TUF 10 winner, TUF 16 coach and UFC heavyweight Roy “Big Country” Nelson, looking trimmer than Tom Hanks at the end of Cast Away (which, with the Saddam Hussein circa 2003 beard and all, might be exactly the look he is going for).

Nelson’s weight has been a topic of much discussion over the years — usually in the aftermath of a particularly stinging loss — to the point that he once promised to cut to light heavyweight if enough people “liked” his Facebook page. Although his challenge was unsuccessful, it looks like Nelson is finally starting to take this weight-cutting thing seriously.

And it couldn’t come a day sooner. With Nelson set to face former Olympic wrestler and Strikeforce heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 166, he’ll need to be in tip-top shape if he is to avoid dropping his second straight contest for the first time since 2011. It also appears as if Nelson has heeded the requests of Cormier’s camp and undergone a Dumb and Dumber-style makeover in regards to his facial hair. Stipulations of his new contract, maybe?

Previously: Enough Jokes — Roy Nelson Needs to Leave the Heavyweight Division

–J. Jones


(Well, at least they aren’t fist-posing. Photo via Nelson’s Facebook.)

Yep, that’s TUF 10 winner, TUF 16 coach and UFC heavyweight Roy “Big Country” Nelson, looking trimmer than Tom Hanks at the end of Cast Away (which, with the Saddam Hussein circa 2003 beard and all, might be exactly the look he is going for).

Nelson’s weight has been a topic of much discussion over the years — usually in the aftermath of a particularly stinging loss — to the point that he once promised to cut to light heavyweight if enough people “liked” his Facebook page. Although his challenge was unsuccessful, it looks like Nelson is finally starting to take this weight-cutting thing seriously.

And it couldn’t come a day sooner. With Nelson set to face former Olympic wrestler and Strikeforce heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 166, he’ll need to be in tip-top shape if he is to avoid dropping his second straight contest for the first time since 2011. It also appears as if Nelson has heeded the requests of Cormier’s camp and undergone a Dumb and Dumber-style makeover in regards to his facial hair. Stipulations of his new contract, maybe?

Previously: Enough Jokes — Roy Nelson Needs to Leave the Heavyweight Division

–J. Jones

Who Should Get the Next UFC Heavyweight Title Shot?

In less than a month, the much-anticipated third showdown between heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and former champ Junior dos Santos will have come to fruition at UFC 166 in Houston.
Of course, Dos Santos scored a 64-second KO in his first encounter w…

In less than a month, the much-anticipated third showdown between heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez and former champ Junior dos Santos will have come to fruition at UFC 166 in Houston.

Of course, Dos Santos scored a 64-second KO in his first encounter with Velasquez at the inaugural UFC on Fox show, only to surrender 11 takedowns in the rematch at UFC 155 to lose his belt 13-and-a-half months later.

Whether Velasquez gets the best of “Cigano” in the rubber match, or vice versa, the UFC’s brass will have some figuring out to do in order to find the company’s next heavyweight title challenger.

Is there a possibility that Velasquez-Dos Santos III will prove so epic that the UFC has to grant its top two heavyweights a fourth fight? If not, will a fresh face get a crack at the winner of Velasquez-Dos Santos III in 2014? 

 

The winner of Travis Browne-Josh Barnett will take the inside track to a title shot

With both men coming off career-changing wins, Travis Browne and Josh Barnett will lock horns in an integral heavyweight clash at UFC 168 in December.

Aside from a hiccup in his fight against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, Browne has performed masterfully, winning five of his last six scraps, including four by KO and another by submission.

“Hapa” scored impressive first-round KOs of Gabriel Gonzaga and Alistair Overeem in his last two fights, pocketing “Knockout of the Night” bonuses in both outings. Brown valiantly stormed back from the edge of defeat to upset and earn his most significant win in the latter contest at UFC Fight Night 26.

Barnett, conversely, has lost just one fight, a unanimous decision to the UFC’s second-ranked heavyweight, Daniel Cormier, since parting ways with Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships in 2006.

After leaving Pride, “The Warmaster” picked up wins in 10 of 11 fights, amazingly notching nine finishes (six submissions and three KOs) along the way.

While Browne and Barnett have obviously taken different paths and come from different lineages, the two men appear to have awfully similar career trajectories at this point. 

Simply put, a convincing win by either man will likely result in a heavyweight title shot in the near future for Brown or Barnett. 

 

Fabricio Werdum needs a dance partner

Grappling ace Werdum has stayed busy and found great success in his second stint with the UFC.

“Vai Cavalo” has reeled off wins against Roy Nelson, Mike Russow and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in succession since rejoining the company in early 2012.

Werdum has lost just once since his initial departure from the UFC, dropping a unanimous decision to a man he submitted earlier in his career, Overeem, at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum.

Because Werdum already holds wins over world-ranked heavyweights Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (No. 4), Overeem (No. 7) and Roy Nelson (No. 9), the UFC may struggle to find a foe for the streaking Vai Cavalo.

Perhaps a bout with the once-beaten Stipe Miocic in the near future will suit the two-time ADCC gold medalist. After all, if Werdum can dispose of Miocic, he’d be sitting just as pretty as the winner of the Brown-Barnett duel. 

 

Roy Nelson can catapult his stock with a win over the unbeaten Daniel Cormier

Heavyweight fan favorite Roy Nelson squandered his spot in line for a heavyweight title shot when he got outclassed by underdog Miocic at UFC 161.

Nelson, however, will get the opportunity to redeem himself against soon-to-be light heavyweight Cormier at UFC 166.

An upset win over the former Olympic freestyle wrestler wouldn’t necessarily transform Nelson into a clear-cut No. 1 contender. A victory would, however, help Nelson regain the leverage he built after scoring consecutive KOs over Dave Herman, Matt Mitrione and Cheick Kongo. 

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Trash Talk Heating Up Between Roy Nelson and Daniel Cormier Heading into UFC 166

Heavy hands are going to be thrown when Roy Nelson and Daniel Cormier step into the Octagon at UFC 166 on Oct. 10, but bombs of the verbal variety are already being launched. While the two heavyweights are set to collide next month in Houston…

Heavy hands are going to be thrown when Roy Nelson and Daniel Cormier step into the Octagon at UFC 166 on Oct. 10, but bombs of the verbal variety are already being launched. While the two heavyweights are set to collide next month in Houston, the “war of the words” is well under way.

In the tactical strategy/mind games department, the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner intends to file a complaint with the Texas Athletic Commission about “Big Country’s” grizzly beard. He will request the commission make Nelson trim his facial hair before the fight. The former The Ultimate Fighter winner’s beard is the 36-year-old’s signature look, but Cormier believes it could cause issues if the fight moves into close quarters.

When the brick-handed Las Vegas native was asked to share his feelings about Cormier‘s complaint by Ariel Helwani on UFC Tonight, Nelson used the platform to lob a nuke in “D.C.’s” direction—and his response ratcheted up the intensity in the trash-talk category.

“If this beard is giving me an unfair advantage like Cormier is claiming,” Nelson said via Helwani, “then he should have had a beard when he failed in the Olympics back in 2008 and 2004.”

When informed of the heavyweight knockout artist’s jab, Cormier upped the ante on his original stance.

“Alright, at first I was going to ask him to trim the beard,” the Louisiana native said. “Now, he really pissed me off and now I want all of it off.”

While the two fighters have exchanged barbs in the past, Nelson’s latest remarks on Wednesday night took aim at a personal sore spot for Cormier. Despite his success as a wrestler on the collegiate and Olympic levels, one of the most disappointing moments in the AKA-trained fighter’s athletic career came in the 2008 games.

Despite being named team captain and coming into Beijing with high expectations, Cormier suffered complications (dehydration and kidney failure) during his weight cut and was forced to withdraw. The situation has haunted him for years, and Nelson attacking the subject will ensure the friction between them will increase in the buildup to their collision at UFC 166. 

It will be interesting to see how the Texas Athletic Commission handles Cormier‘s compliant in regard to Nelson’s beard. Whether the commission will make Nelson lose the beard entirely remains to be seen, but with his response to the matter at hand on Wednesday night, it’s clear Big Country doesn’t care for Cormier making an issue out of anything that doesn’t involve their direct fight.

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

 

 

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