Roy Nelson

 

Roy Nelson Interview

Hi Roy,

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with MMABay and answer a few of our questions.

MMABay - We’re just four weeks away from your upcoming fight against Stefan Struve at Ultimate Fight Night 31; how is your camp going in the run up to the fight?

Nelson - Camp is doing good we are just practicing, and practicing, trying to learn how to fight.
 
MMABay - You’re going up against a guy who’s nearly seven feet tall; what sort of problems does that pose and have you been working on anything specific in training?

Nelson - Stefan is tall man, we have been just getting on top of each others shoulders to practice punching that high plus I have been working on my vertical. 

MMABay - Struve has an excellent ground game and is a rangy striker due to his physical size; are you confident enough in your own grappling ability to take this one to the mat, or do you think a stand-up battle is more in your favour?

Nelson - The beauty of our sport it called MMA so we better know how to do it all.

MMABay - You were well known to MMA fans before your stint on TUF, but most people who go into that house say that it’s a life changing experience. Would you agree with that notion? What has TUF changed about your life, if anything?

Nelson - I would agree it was life changing, so is jail. That will some it.

MMABay - A lot of MMA fans were shocked that you went into the house in the first place; was there ever any talk of you heading straight to the main roster, or was it a case of TUF or nothing?

Nelson - It was more of a PR stunt from my management and myself to get the most fans, and the most exposure.

MMABay - Regardless of other factors, it was clearly your show to win; did you feel any added pressure being such a clear favourite?

Nelson - Since I won people say I was the clear favourite but before they knew the outcome I didn't have a chance so I am always confused what people think so I just believe in myself and the problems just go away.
 
MMABay - Have you seen the full season on TV yet? Is it strange seeing yourself on TV and knowing that there could be Roy Nelson action figures and videogame characters in the not so distant future?

Nelson - I have seen the full season, but to see myself on TV is not weird I have been there before so it not a big deal.
 
MMABay - Your fight with Kimbo on the show is the fourth most watched fight in US history; how does it feel to be a part of something so big?

Nelson - It feels good to know I wanted the most watched fighters, and beloved.

MMABay - A lot has been made of the fact that you don’t have the body of a Georges St Pierre or a Brock Lesnar; do you think seeing a ‘regular’ guy such as yourself win TUF breaks down the barriers for those people who might not have a typical athlete’s physique to say “you know what, I can make it in MMA”?

Nelson - I feel just like any athlete, who’s breaking down barriers. I am just a guy that just keeps it real to the fans and to myself.

MMABay - You’re coming into the UFC heavyweight division at a time of big changes; Couture has dropped back down to lightweight, Nogueira seems to be struggling to keep up with the newer guys; what is your opinion of the UFC’s heavyweight division right now, and where do you fit into the picture?

Nelson - I feel the UFC heavyweight division is stacked like never before. I think I should hold my own with the best that it has to offer.

MMABay - Finally, for any new fans who haven’t seen you in action yet, what can we expect from Roy Nelson come March 31st?

Nelson - A big guy going out there to put on a show and show why it’s ok to be big, so it works in my favour and Stefan’s.
 
MMABay - Thanks for your time Roy, and good luck at UFC Fight Night 21!

(An exclusive interview for MMABay.co.uk)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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