UFC 146: Dana White Shouldn't Struggle to Sell Roy Nelson

Superman doesn’t appeal to young adults.

Athletes that are freaks of nature—ones with six-packs, arms as large as pythons and traps that make their neck play hide-and-seek—are far more frequently marketed than those that look like your next-door neighbor.

But in the UFC’s case, selling a fighter that wins with farm-boy strength and heart shouldn’t be difficult.

According to Robert Seidman of TV by the Numbers, the demographics of UFC’s primary audience are males from the ages of 18-34. Superhero-like athletes naturally appeal more to the younger generation.

Young adults, though, begin to root less for the physical freaks as they begin to value the heart of a champion.

That’s where Roy Nelson comes in. Big Country just knocked out Dave Herman in the first round of UFC 146 to win his second match in his last three fights. Nelson won’t ever receive an offer to showcase his physique in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue, but that’s no reason for Dana White to cut his UFC ties.

Damon Martin of MMA Weekly reported that White contemplated doing just that. The UFC President said after Nelson’s latest victory:

"

We had a conversation with him. I’ve said it a million times, I’ve said it to him and I’ll say it again in public, I respect him, he’s got an incredible chin, he’s got punching power and I always talk about him taking his career serious and not training in his garage, and being in really good shape. The guy is tough.

"

White wasn’t done critiquing Nelson’s appearance, though. He transitioned from his shape to his hair.

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When he shows up asking me why he doesn’t have any sponsors, and how can I help him. I’m not a fan, I don’t even know what that is, I think that thing is beyond a mullet, I don’t know what the hell that is now. It looks like a wig, he’s got the big beard, his beard is grey.

"

On the comment on training in his garage—what White sees as undedicated, I see as the potential to develop a passionate following.

White must know his audience. Countless fans relate to Nelson. It’s easier to rally around a down-to-Earth guy with man boobs and a beer gut than a robot.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels