by Tyson Abaroa

Created on: July 19, 2010   Last Updated: July 20, 2010

If Dana White feels that “Big Country” can bring in “Big Dollars” to a pay-per-view he would have a title shot tomorrow. The biggest circus in the UFC is the Heavyweight division. In the last two years we have seen almost as many interim champions as we have actual champions because of disease and contract disputes. All the drama has brought in buckets of cash to the UFC.

Logically Cain Velasquez is next to have a shot at the title at UFC 120. Regardless of who wins, who is there in that division that can battle for the title and bring in more crowds after the title is defended or won? The only other name besides Roy Nelson is Junior Do Santos. Coincidentally they will be fighting soon to get in line for a title shot. In reality more viewers are likely going to spend the money to watch the fight because of Roy Nelson.

Roy Nelson brings exactly what Brock Lesnar brings, great marketing, and then great talent. Roy “Big Country” Nelson strutting into the ring to Weird Al’s “I’m Fat”, and slapping his rotund belly draws people. His “who cares about how I win as long as I win” attitude makes him relatable to the fans. When many fans look in the mirror at their own bellies they are thinking “well if big country can do it!”

In regards to “Big Country’s” Talent, it is there. He may not have the scalps of the bravest warriors on his lodge pole, but he is a seasoned veteran in the fighting world. Of his fight’s, his defeat of Andre Arlovski in the former venue eliteXC is the most notable. His experience improves his mental ability to fight the way that he chooses. If a wrestler takes him down he knows how to submit, if he takes down a grappler he knows how to defend, and he can exchange heavy handed blows with as well as the next guy. There is no question that he is well rounded, pun intended, enough to at least make a run at the title.

There are many hardcore, been around since ninety three, fight fans that have little respect for “Big Country.” When it comes down to it he is the last person that people think of when they begin to think about serious MMA athletes. It is true, Randy Couture he is not, but what is there really to criticize? Roy Nelson has proven himself to multiple venues, including the UFC that he can fight. At the same time if his fights will bring in a few more dollars, why not give “Big Country” a title shot?

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