UFC 143 preview: Nelson vs. Werdum

Roy Nelson (16-6) vs. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) In an intriguing heavyweight showdown, the fan favorite Nelson is looking to spoil the UFC return of the Fedor Emelianenko conqueror Werdum. Nelson, 35, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, last saw action in October as he finished Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic in the third round, pushing the Croatian great out of mixed martial arts and back into kickboxing. The win was critical for "The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights" winner as it erased back-to-back decision losses to Frank Mir and current champion Junior dos Santos. Despite only making his UFC debut in December 2009 with a crushing knockout of Brendan Schaub, Nelson has a wealth of experience as he dominated the heavyweight division of the now-defunct International Fight League. Nicknamed "Big Country," the burly heavyweight is armed with a dangerous overhand right that finished Schaub and Stefan Struve in spectacular fashion, but he also suffocates opponents with an exhausting ground game. Nelson doesn't look the part of your stereotypical mixed martial artist, but his style is effective nonetheless. Werdum, 34, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and two-time Abu Dhabi Combat Club world champion, is coming off a lackluster decision loss to Alistair Overeem last June. The fight was a disappointment as Werdum repeatedly tried to pull guard, while Overeem was overly hesitant to unleash any striking combinations. Prior to fighting Overeem, Werdum won three straight fights in Strikeforce, including a hard-fought decision over Brazilian behemoth Antonio Silva and a shocking upset submission win over Emelianenko, ending the Russian legend's streak of dominance. Werdum was released from the UFC after suffering a first-round knockout loss to current champion dos Santos at UFC 90 in what was dos Santos' first UFC bout. Werdum was visibly out of shape for the contest and he was already engaged in a contractual dispute with the organization. He has taken a more dedicated approach to the sport since his first stint in the Octagon, earning his black belt in muay thai from Wanderlei Silva's longtime coach Rafael Cordeiro, while improving his fitness level drastically. When he's at his best, the Brazilian submission ace is one of the most skilled heavyweights on the planet. Nelson will threaten with looping punches that pack serious power, but Werdum should control the grappling exchanges and utilize his height and reach advantage to maintain his range and pick his shots. After an arduous three-round fray, Werdum should send a message to the UFC heavyweight division and have his hand raised in victory, putting himself closer to a potential rematch with dos Santos for the prestigious championship. Verdict: Werdum via decision