Roy Nelson was a perennial top-10 contender during his time with the UFC, but never managed to put together the run needed to earn a title shot. Now, at 41, he finds himself three wins away from claiming heavyweight gold in Bellator.
This Friday at Bellator 194 in Uncasville, Conn., “Big Country” meets Matt Mitrione in a rematch of their Dec. 15, 2012 bout that Nelson won by first-round TKO. This time, the two will be fighting to advance to the semifinals of the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, with the victor of the eight-man tournament being rewarded with a championship belt.