UFC

Roy Nelson Calls Mitrione The White Version Of Alistair Overeem

posted December 10, 2012 by Rich Klein

UFC heavyweight Roy "Big Country" Nelson

Ultimate Fighter Finale: Nelson Cals Mitrione the "white Alistair Overeem"

After spending an entire season coaching opposite the stoic Shane Carwin, Roy Nelson has found him self preparing for a new opponent in Matt Mitrione.

Nelson and Mitrione should not be to unfamiliar with each other as they were teammates on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights season. The difference being "Big Country" went on to win on the finale against Branden Schaub, while Mitrione opened the main card defeating Marcus Jones.

Three years have passed and they now find themselves in front of each other main-eventing this season's Ultimate Fighter Finale, after Shane Carwin pulled out due to an injury.

"I Figured Shane would pull out. It's not the first time the pulled out of a fight with me. I just didn't know when or where," said Nelson in the TUF Finale Conference call.

"The biggest difference between the two is one is southpaw and one is orthdox," replied Nelson when asked of the differences in preparing for Mitrione. "Matt trains at a better camp than Shane. I'm getting a white version of Alistair Overeem in Matt Mitrione."

Mitrione, who now trains at the Blackzilian's camp with Overeem and former TUF coach Rashad Evans in Boca Raton, Florida, stated that he was preparing for the fight by getting rid of any distractions including his twitter page and even a VADA test that was proposed by Nelson.

" I just had a bunch of things going on. I have no problem with testing. It just felt like a distraction," replied Mitrione, when asked about why he declined the test.

Mitrione, who caught flack earlier this year from UFC President Dana White for turning down a fight with Strikeforce's Daniel Cormier, will be looking to propel himself in the heavyweight division after last losing to Cheick Kongo at UFC 137.

Nelson last fought at UFC 146 when he knocked out Dave Herman with an overhand right.

So what was the motivation going into the fight for Roy Nelson?

" It became more personal because he asked for the fight" said Nelson.

The Ultimate Fighter Finale takes place this Saturday on December 15th, and in addition to the Nelson vs Mitrione main event is this season's tournament finals between Mike Ricci and Colton Smith.