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[TUZZLER]

After "fighting two people," Roy Nelson seeks rematch with Arlovski
by John Morgan on Oct 12, 2008 at 4:00 pm ET

While it may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing strategy, the ground-based strategy implemented by Roy Nelson (13-3) against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (14-5) at "EliteXC: Heat" was undeniably effective.

But after a much-discussed stand-up from the match referee -- while Nelson was working for a possible fight-ending kimura -- Nelson abandoned the strategy. Arlovski then used his quickness and athleticism to score crushing blows on the feet en route to a second-round TKO win.

Realizing the mistake his frustration caused, Nelson recently told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) he wants a second chance.

"For me, I was just frustrated in the fight," Nelson said. "Because the first round I thought I was in a dominant position, and I still have the ref telling me that I need to work, and I had a kimura. Then I moved to something else, and the next thing I know I'm standing up."

The winner of five-straight bouts heading into they Oct. 4 clash, Nelson said having his strategy interrupted affected his mental approach to the remainder of the fight.

"For me, I felt like in the second round my head wasn't quite there," Nelson admitted. "I felt like I was fighting two people. I'm fighting Andrei, and then I'm worrying about if I do a takedown again [I might be stood up.]"

Nelson chose not to enter the debate regarding the justification of the referee's decision during the bout. Rather than argue one side or the other, Nelson now simply realizes he can not allow the referee's decisions to affect his focus.

"For me, I just felt like it took me out of my game in the second round," Nelson said. "Because the ref -- from here on, I learned from it."

Despite the loss, just the third in Nelson's four-year career, "Big Country" feels he's still a top-10 caliber fighter. And above all, Neslon can't wait for another crack at Arlovski.

"I still believe I'm one of the top-10 fighters in the world," Nelson said. "And that's why I can't wait to fight Andrei in the future. I'm going to put some more wins underneath my belt and then Andrei's going to beat up Fedor (Emelianenko), and from there on I'm going to just take it to him."

John Morgan is the lead staff reporter for MMAjunkie.com.

After "fighting two people," Roy Nelson seeks rematch with Arlovski | MMAjunkie.com

[thedon17]

AA has bigger fish to fry.. like Fedor

[TUZZLER]

Unless Nelson goes on a tear, there is no reason for a rematch. Arlovski is on his way to fight Fedor. If he beats Fedor then there are alot of possibilities for Arlovski, and I don't see Nelson as being one of them.

[the dazzle]

rematch with weight watchers imo. if he lost a little bit of the belly Nelson could tear shit up. As for a rematch with AA, i highly doubt it. the best he could look forward to is a rematch with Rothwell. that would be a sweet fight .

[rabidsponge]

hmm, roy seems to think andrei is going to "beat up" fedor, then want to have arlovski/nelson 2? seems like a bit of a step down in competition to me...plus i'm not even sure andrei wins that fedor fight