Kyle Nelson is looking to get back on track.
Nelson is coming off a knockout loss to Terrance McKinney back in March. After the loss, Nelson wasn’t sure what would be next, but he did circle UFC Edmonton as his return bout.
“We knew the UFC was coming to Edmonton, and I was getting ready and hoping,” Nelson said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “We got the message about five weeks out from the fight. I did renew a new four-fight deal as well, so it was about five weeks’ notice, but it did take a bit for the UFC to officially announce it.”
Nelson wanted to fight in Canada, and he got his wish, but he will take on newcomer Cristian Perez. Nelson admits he didn’t know who he was, but did look him up and was impressed.
“I didn’t know about him before the fight, but I have since looked him up. He’s 15-2, good record, very excited for this fight. I’m excited the UFC matched him because I think he has good skills, and we will put up a good fight,” Nelson said.
Kyle Nelson expecting a fun fight at UFC Edmonton
Entering UFC Edmonton, Nelson is an underdog, but he has full confidence in himself.
Nelson believes Perez won’t have much success wrestling. And on the feet, the Canadian likes his striking.
“I think I’m a much better defensive and offensive wrestler and grappler,” Nelson said. I don’t think he’s going to look as dominant as he had. I’m not too worried about his wrestling and jiu-jitsu. He’s from Mexico; he’s got some good boxing, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen in my 12-fight UFC career.”
Nelson, meanwhile, also believes UFC jitters and the crowd will impact Perez, which will help him get his hand raised. If Nelson gets the win, he’s hoping for a quick turnaround, and doesn’t care who is next.
“I think it just gets me back on track. I’m not sure where it will put me. I don’t pay attention to the rankings anyway; it’s whoever they give me until I get into the top-15. … We just signed that new four-fight deal, and we will see if I can fight again this year or next year,” Nelson concluded.
Who do you think will win at UFC Edmonton, Kyle Nelson and Cristian Perez?
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
