On the streets of Tokyo, Roy Nelson and Josh Barnett are larger than life, sort of like two giant Redwoods in the asphalt jungle.
It’s more than just their immense size. Both are popular MMA figures in Japan, so it figures that their five-round heavyweight main event Saturday night at UFC Fight Night Japan is an anticipated event.
“It’s like walking into Walmart in Las Vegas,” Nelson said. “When I go to Tokyo, I get recognized. People want to take pictures.”
Nelson has fought previously at Saitama Super Arena – the site of Saturday’s bout against Barnett – losing via knockout to Mark Hunt last year.