Big Country Wins “The Ultimate Fighter” By Jim Genia (Dec 7, 2009) DoghouseBoxing
They say looks can be deceiving, and never was that old adage more true than at “The Ultimate Fighter 10” Finale on Saturday night, where heavyweight Roy “Big Country” Nelson – sporting a big belly and looking like he spends more time at the buffet than the gym – knocked out ex-NFL player Brendan Schaub late in the first round to win the eponymous title. It was, however, a battle while it lasted, with Schaub landing with punching combinations and even managing to escape when the bigger man was on top of him on the ground. But the assumed advantage Schaub had on the feet evaporated when Nelson clipped him with a right hand behind his near, and the bout was over before Schaub even hit the canvas. With the win, Nelson finds himself in the unique position of being a newly-minted Ultimate Fighter winner already very close to championship title contention, although this may be due in part to the his experience-level coming into the UFC as well as the shallowness of the division.
Also at the TUF 10 Finale was Kimbo Slice, making his official UFC debut (Ultimate Fighter bouts are considered exhibitions) against experienced striker Houston Alexander in what was supposed to be a quick and violent altercation but instead played out in tortuous fashion. Aside from three minutes of furious fighting in the second round that saw Slice out-grapple Alexander and drop bombs, the bout consisted of Alexander circling and circling and circling. When time ran out Slice was awarded the decision.
In other action, Greco-Roman wrestling specialist dislocated Matt Hamill’s shoulder with a throw and rained down fists and elbows until Hamill was a bloody mess. Unfortunately, two of the elbows were illegal – dropping an elbow straight down is a foul – and as Hamill could not continue, Jones was disqualified. New Jersey’s Frankie Edgar out-boxed Matt Veach, and stunned him enough to sink in a choke in Round 2, while pro football refugee Matt Mitrione KO’d Marcus Jones.
