UFC
Mirko Cro Cop says he's fighting Roy Nelson at UFC 137 in October, Nelson's manager confirms matchup [UPDATED]
Jul 13, 2011 - 3:30:14 PM Mirko Cro Cop says he's fighting Roy Nelson at UFC 137 in October, Nelson's manager confirms matchup [UPDATED]

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC President Dana White said in the last month that the UFC would be giving Mirko Cro Cop one more fight in the UFC. The Croatian had it on his contract and wished to take the final fight despite losing two straight fights by knockout, and now that final matchup may be set.

According to a report from BloodyElbow.com, Cro Cop appeared on Croatian sports TV show "Gol" this morning, and stated that he'll be facing off against Roy "Big Country" Nelson at UFC 137 in October.

The fight will be Cro Cop's tenth fight inside the Octagon, and seventh since returning to the organization in 2009. After winning three of four upon his return, Cro Cop was knocked out in a bad fight against Frank Mir last September, and then again by Brendan Schaub this March. The knockout losses led to many calling for Cro Cop to retire, but he'll take at least one more fight.

Nelson will likely be on his last legs in the UFC as well after suffering two straight losses. The season 10 Ultimate Fighter winner knocked out both Schaub and Stefan Struve, but has since lost decisions to both Junior dos Santos and Frank Mir in succession. A third straight loss could lead to his release, especially if he turns in another performance like he did against Mir.

UFC 137 takes place from the Mandalay Bay Events Center on October 29, headlined by the Welterweight Championship bout between Georges St. Pierre and Nick Diaz.

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Penick's Analysis: This is the right fight to make if Cro Cop is getting another bout in the UFC. It will most certainly be a "loser leaves town" fight for both after consecutive losses, and for Cro Cop especially a third straight loss should mark his time to hang it up. For Nelson, he needs to have a much better performance than he did against Mir. He was battling walking pneumonia prior to the fight, and that certainly had an effect on his gas tank, but he needs to be much better in this one or the UFC will absolutely not hold onto him.

UPDATE: According to a report from USAToday, Roy Nelson's manager Jessy Evans has confirmed the booking and the fight is coming to the UFC 137 event at the end of October.