UFC 143 Results: Roy Nelson Is Now the Gatekeeper of the Heavyweight Division

Taking home a Fight of the Night bonus after going to war with Fabricio Werdum at last night's UFC 143, The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights winner Roy Nelson, unfortunately, found himself on the losing end.

Clearly showing that he is a talented veteran that should face top level competition, Nelson's wins over Stefan Struve and Brendan Schaub solidified his upper tier status.

But against more experienced competition, "Big Country" is just 1-3 in his last four fights.  Although he showcased his trademarked good chin against Werdum last night, the loss was another battle he barley survived, like his losses to Frank Mir and Junior Dos Santos.

Even his last victory, a third round finish that effectively retired the legendary Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 137, wasn't that impressive because of Cro Cop's age and diminished skills.  He was also secretly suffering from an arm injury, refusing doctor's orders to receive surgery and proceeded with the bout without informing the UFC.

Despite vast improvements made to his game and overall conditioning, Nelson has, unfortunately, become the gatekeeper of the heavyweight division.  He can stand and bang with the top guys, but just isn't at the level to defeat them yet.

For newcomers and prospects, Nelson is a tough challenge that shouldn't be taken lightly, should they face him.  But with this role, Nelson will stagnate in the division's title picture, always a few fights away, faltering when he faces big name competition.

If Nelson really wants to make a title run and become more than just a gatekeeper for heavyweights breaking into the UFC, "Big Country" has to make a serious commitment to dropping down to light heavyweight or possibly even middleweight.  The only way Nelson can remain relevant in the UFC is by making this drastic change.

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