UFC 146: Why Travis Browne Should Step Up and Fight Roy Nelson

UFC 146 has taken a big hit with the loss of Alistair Overeem in the main event. Luckily, a main card that includes all heavyweights has offered up Frank Mir to replace Overeem and fight for the heavyweight championship.

In Mir's place, Antonio "Big Foot" Silva will take on Cain Velasquez. With Silva moving up to take this fight, Roy Nelson finds himself without an opponent.

Following this weekend's UFC 145 event, Travis Browne quickly and efficiently dispatched of Chad Griggs, leading to an interesting situation. Browne did not get hurt during the fight, as he made it quick and used a submission to gain victory. 

Assuming Browne gets a short medical suspension, he will be able to make a quick turnaround. UFC 146 takes place May 26, which would give him a month to train for Nelson. He is already in fight shape—having competed Saturday—so it would not be hard for Browne to make the fight.

Browne is a good challenge for Nelson, who to this point has fought the best the UFC has to offer. Similarly, Nelson would be Browne's biggest test since he fought to a draw against Cheick Kongo.

Nelson is probably a loss away from getting cut, which makes this matchup sort of questionable. But, the UFC cannot keep shuffling fights around, as Overeem's withdrawal from the card has already shaken up three fights.

That being said, Nelson has the power to test Browne's chin and the ground game to wear out Browne. If Browne were to get past Nelson, it would prove that he is ready for title contention.

Obviously, he would not be ready immediately for a title shot, but he would definitely be a fight or two away from a shot at the champ.

I don't see many other options, as a majority of the heavyweight division is already scheduled to fight at UFC 146. They could sign a late replacement, but he would be a less competitive opponent for Nelson, most likely.

Hopefully, Browne-Nelson materializes, in the hopes of salvaging the main card vacated by Overeem.

It would be an excellent fight that brings excitement and a good look into the future of the heavyweight division.