When Frank Mir and Roy Nelson tangle, two of the most recognizable names in the heavyweight MMA scene will fight at UFC 130 May 28 in Las Vegas.
Since losing to Brock Lesnar at UFC 100 in a fight for the UFC heavyweight title, Mir, 14-5 in his career, has won two of three fights. He knocked out Mirko Filopovic at UFC 119 as well as he forced Cheick Kongo to submit at UFC 107. At UFC 111, his last loss was via knockout to Shane Carwin.
Including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, Kenpo Karate and wrestling, Mir is a former heavyweight champion who uses a variety of styles in the ring. Via submission, he has won eight of his 14 fights.
Even though Nelson also has quick-strike capability that has led to eight knockouts, he is 15-5 in his career, has the ability to force opponents to submit, winning five fights that way. His style is a mix of Shaolin Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Nelson lost to Junior dos Santos by decision at UFC 117 in his last fight after beating Brendan Schaub in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter and then Stefan Struve at UFC Fight Night in March 2010.
Both fighters are moving into the late stages of their MMA careers as they are in their 30s. In this fight, a victory for either one could propel the winner to a shot at the top of the division. This fight is a -115 pick’em in UFC 130 Odds.
