Gunnar Nelson is set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC London this weekend.
The Icelandic veteran (19-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) last fought exactly two years ago (also at UFC London) when he picked up a first-round submission win over Bryan Barbarena. Prior to that, "Gunni" picked up a decision victory over Takashi Sato at the same venue 12 months earlier, in his first fight since 2019.
His dwindling activity level over recent years was one of the first things Ariel Helwani brought when he interviewed the 36-year-old this week, ahead of his return on Saturday's main card at the 02 Arena.
"Ah, you know, I've just been concentrating on other things", Nelson replied when Helwani asked about his irregular competing schedule in recent times. "You know, I've been coaching quite a bit, and yeah, focusing on the team, and not as much myself.
"Not really", he responded when asked if injuries had played a part in his absence from the Octagon. "I mean, you always have something. I've been fighting for many, many years, so there's always something, but nothing serious. Just focusing on other things, like coaching and stuff".
Nelson Breaks Down His Opponent
Nelson's opponent on Saturday will be Kevin Holland (26-13 MMA, 13-10 UFC), a man who, quite bizarrely, has fought TWELVE times in the same timespan that Nelson made his last two appearances inside the Octagon.
"Yeah, I liked it", Nelson said of the match-up. "You know, Kevin is a popular fighter. He's a fun fighter as well. I like to watch him fight. He's creative. He does everything, you know. He's dangerous everywhere. He knows his way around the ground as well. And, you know, he's good. He's fun. He's exciting".
Nelson has always been regarded as one of the most dangerous submission grapplers in the UFC, and with Holland having been submitted 9 times in his professional career to date, Nelson is fully aware of the advantage he possesses in that area over his opponent.
"Yeah, I'll try to exploit everything I can", Nelson told Helwani. "But definitely, you know, you've watched my fights and you've known me for some time. It's no secret what I try to do in my fights".
Nelson Recalls His Days At SBG Ireland
Nelson trained in Dublin, Ireland for years under the watchful eye of coach John Kavanagh, working closely with Conor McGregor while the pair were climbing the ranks in their early days in the UFC. He says they have now drifted apart in recent years.
"No, I haven't trained with Conor for a long, long time", he said. "We keep in touch sometimes on Instagram and stuff like that. Yeah, but I haven't met him in a good while. Years.
"Well, I guess just life", he responded when asked if there was any particular reason they hadn't crossed paths recently. "Yeah. You know, he's very busy doing his thing and I'm doing my thing. And yeah, I think it's just that".
