Veteran UFC heavyweights looking for rebounds finally clash in Abu Dhabi

(This story first appeared in Thursday’s USA TODAY.)

ABU DHABI – At first glance, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Roy Nelson might not seem the most logical choices to headline a UFC event.

After all, both are 37 and likely nearing the end of their fighting careers, and both are looking to rebound from recent disappointing losses.

But “Big Nog” and “Big Country” are two of the most popular heavyweights on the promotion’s roster, and their Friday clash could very well prove a memorable affair.

“Our paths have never actually crossed,” Nelson said. “I want to say I was in there with a legend and I beat a legend. But for the fans, I just want to put on an exciting fight. I’ll take a punch to give a punch. Everybody knows that.”

Nogueira (34-8-1 MMA, 5-4 UFC), one of the sport’s most accomplished grapplers, and Nelson (19-9 MMA, 6-5 UFC), a fan-favorite knockout artist, meet in the headlining bout of Friday’s “UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson” event, which takes place outdoors at Abu Dhabi’s du Arena and streams live on UFC Fight Pass (11:50 a.m. ET), the UFC’s recently launched digital network.

Nogueira, a native of Brazil and former UFC interim heavyweight champion, is widely considered MMA royalty. His professional career actually started on U.S. soil in 1999, but he became a superstar fighting in Japan, winning the PRIDE heavyweight title and tangling with fellow icons like Josh Barnett, Mark Coleman, Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Dan Henderson.

But Nogueira realizes the power packed in his opponent’s hands could prove one of the stiffest tests of his legendary career. The key to success in the five-round affair, Nogueira says, is surviving his foe’s early charges and looking to capitalize in the later stages of the matchup.

“Every time I step in the octagon, it’s exciting, and I get nervous,” Nogueira said. “Roy has heavy hands. He’s tough. He’s strong, but I think if the fight goes longer, it’s good for me.”

Meanwhile, Nelson is a former International Fight League heavyweight champ who made his way to the UFC by winning a memorable tournament on the 10th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” A student of the game who has competed professionally since 2006, Nelson admits an earnest fondness for his opponent’s accomplishments and style.

“He’s a legend,” Nelson said. “He’s a guy you definitely want to fight when you’re in the heavyweight division. He’s just one of those guys that comes to fight, and he’s an old-school guy, where he’s going to try to finish the fight, regardless. I respect fighters who do that vs. just trying to outpoint you.”

For that reason alone, the booking seems to make sense. The two wily veterans are each capable of ending the fight early through either striking or grappling, and both are well-recognized for their resiliency. Oddsmakers have installed Nelson as a slight favorite, but it’s a contest in which it seems there is no result that would completely surprise.

“He respects me, and I respect him,” Nelson said. “But when it comes to Friday night, I’m going to try to finish him, and he’s going to try and finish me. That’s what makes it an exciting fight.”

– George Garcia contributed to this report.