Mixed Martial Arts Career
Roy Nelson has been a long time student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Renzo Gracie, who granted him a Black Belt on August 26, 2009. Nelson has competed at the Abu Dhabi Grappling Championships (ADCC) and has trained with some of the world's best fighters including UFC's Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, Ricco Rodriguez and Ken Shamrock.
As a member of Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den, he was asked to become a member of the IFL's Nevada Lions in 2007. In the 2007 IFL World Grand Prix, Nelson became the league's first ever heavyweight champion, defeating Antoine Jaoude on December 29, 2007. Nelson successfully defended his title twice, before the IFL ceased operations.
After the IFL ceased operations Nelson took a fight with EliteXC on 10 days' notice against former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski. Roy Nelson lost via KO in the second round; however, controversy broke out over Nelson being stood up by the referee in the first round from side control, while staying active and working on a kimura. He then went on to fight for Roy Jones Jr.'s Square Ring Promotions against Jeff Monson. This fight also ended in a controversial loss for Nelson. According to the TV commentators and most MMA media, Nelson won the bout. However Jeff Monson was awarded a unanimous decision.
Read more about this topic: Roy Nelson (fighter)
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