The co-main event for UFC Fight Night on Thursday July 7th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena is Roy “Big Country” Nelson (#10) vs Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis (#12). Nelson is a veteran fighter having made his way to the mainstream and UFC via season ten of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) tv show. Nelson won the season which also featured Kimbo Slice, Brendan Schaub, and Matt Mitrione. Relatively new, Lewis has been making his way up the ranks by putting on exciting fights, calling people out, and a magnetic personality.

(-135) Roy “Big Country” Nelson (22-12-0) – is 6’, 263 lbs, with a 72” reach. Although he rarely shows it, Roy comes from a grappling base with a black belt in BJJ from Renzo Gracie. In his fights, he has been counting on the KO power that he possesses which is evident with all but one of his UFC wins coming by KO. If “Big Country” can play a tactical game against “The Black Beast”, he has a great chance to win this fight. He will have to use his experience and get Lewis down, apply heavy top pressure, use his jiu jitsu, and submit him. Although Nelson has one of the strongest chins in the UFC, he cannot get in to a brawl with Lewis.

(+115) Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis (15-4-0) –  is 6’3”, 260 lbs, with a 79” reach. His name suits him well. All of Lewis’ wins have been finishes and 14 out of the 15 are by KO. He is an orthodox fighter with heavy, heavy hands. The only thing more impressive than his ground and pound is the fact that he can utilize head kicks. He has shown limited proficiency in submission grappling, but is very good at getting back up when taken down to the mat. He likes to stalk and walk down his opponents looking to separate them from consciousness. Lewis will have to bait Nelson into a striking match and avoid getting controlled on the ground to win this fight.

Fight Picks – The odds are close in this fight and I am picking safe with Roy Nelson. Having lost three of his last four, I think he wants to get back on a winning streak and do whatever it takes to get the win. Roy Nelson via decision.