Heavyweight Roy Nelson (19-7) continued his run of KO victories with a first round overhand right to the head of Cheick Kongo (18-8-2) at UFC 159. Nelson improved to 6-3 since coming to the UFC via the TUF 10 house. Kongo dropped to 11-6-1 as a UFC fighter.
Nelson surprised viewers with an immediate takedown attempt. It was unsuccessful, but he did some solid work controlling Kongo against the cage. The fighters were separated and Roy landed his infamous overhand right and it sent Kongo to the mat. Cheick tried to dive in for a single-leg attempt, but another shot from Nelson’s right hand put him out.
What was the high point of the fight?
Even as a self-proclaimed Big Country hater, I can still appreciate how devastating his right hand has become. When he landed it on Kongo, the Frenchman immediately dropped to the ground and everyone knew the fight was over.
Where do they go from here?
Even in the Heavyweight division, having all of his victories come by first round knockout is quite the accomplishment for Nelson. As is having never been finished inside the Octagon. With the KO over Kongo he’s earned another fight against a top fighter in the division and it looks like he’ll get it. All the talk following the fight has been about him facing Daniel Cormier next.
Kongo has long been the gatekeeper to the top of the division. If he had any title aspirations, this definitely killed them. However, despite being 1-2 in his last three, he’ll drop back down the ladder and pick up some wins against the lower tier of the division.
Watch it now, later, or never?
It’s a short fight with capped with a highlight reel knockout. Go watch it.