Issue 096

December 2012

A fighting heart as big as his belly, a smart ground game and clubbing overhand right, who wouldn’t want to fight like 'Big Country'?

PASSING HALF GUARD

Instead of nimble, athletic and explosive guard passes, Nelson instead favors functional, methodical and mechanical passing moves, encouraged via his black belt grappling pedigree.

IN THE GYM

When your partner tries to replace his underhook under your far-side arm, underhook his leg instead to pass like Nelson.

In action

A Renzo Gracie black belt, Nelson dominated Andrei Arlovski on the ground at EliteXC: Heat in 2008 with excellent passing skills.

OVERHAND RIGHT

Standing six-foot tall in the heavyweight division, Nelson is often forced to punch up to his opponents. He often employs the overhand right to reach his target. 

IN THE GYM

Cue up the overhand with a jab. When you throw the overhand, take care not to overbalance yourself, or commit too much weight to the lead leg.

In action

When he fought Stefan Struve at UFC Fight Night 21 in 2010, Nelson dropped the Dutchman with the overhand right, which lead to the TKO finish.

OVERHAND TO HIGH DOUBLE-LEG

The threat of Nelson’s multi-knockout-winning overhand right often means opponents are quick to cover up when they see it coming – leaving a prime opportunity to duck under for the double-leg.

IN THE GYM

Practice level changing after throwing punches. Don't go so low as to touch your knee to the floor, just line up with the hips, ducking under the punches.

In action

Nelson took Kimbo Slice down during their bout on TUF 10, by ducking under his punches and capturing his hips.

SIDE CONTROL

Nelson's unathletic physique gives him a curious advantage when in side control, his belly smothering his opponents – especially when he gets the mounted crucifix.

IN THE GYM

You might not have the same physical attributes of Nelson, but gaining the mounted crucifix will have a similar smothering effect. When in side control, try to trap the bottom man’s arm by luring out their defense through throwing punches, then roll your hips and near-side knee over the near arm.

In action

Look at Nelson’s destruction of Kimbo Slice for a perfect example. He did the same again versus Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ at UFC 137 – he trapped off the arm and let loose ground ‘n’ pound.