MMA

Roy Nelson vs. Cheick Kongo Added To UFC 159 In Newark

posted January 30, 2013 by Nate Lawson

Roy Nelson (James Law/HeavyMMA)

Nelson, Kongo clash in Newark

A heavyweight bout between Roy Nelson and Cheick Kongo is official for UFC 159 in New Jersey.

The match up, set for April 27 at Newark's Prudential Center, was announced on UFC Tonight on FUEL TV Tuesday evening.

The bout joins a card headlined by UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and top contender Chael Sonnen. The pair coached opposite one another on the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter, which currently is being aired on FX.

Nicknamed "Big Country," Nelson has a chance to string together a big winning streak, at least by heavyweight standards. He has earned back-to-back wins, first knocking out Dave Herman at UFC 146 and then finishing Matt Mitrione at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.

Kongo also picked up a victory in his last contest, defeating Shawn Jordan, a winner at last weekend's UFC on FOX 6, via unanimous decision last July.

The pair have several common opponents from the past two years. Each fighter defeated Mitrione, while both came up short against former heavyweight champion Frank Mir.

The only other fight to be announced for UFC 159 features light heavyweights Vinny Magalhaes and Phil Davis, also announced on UFC Tonight.

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