Coker: ‘I think it might be that time’ for Roy Nelson to retire
A lackluster showing from Roy Nelson has Scott Coker pondering whether it’s time for “Big Country” to hang up the gloves.
Neither of this weekend’s Bellator’s main events was memorable, but Friday’s rematch between Frank Mir and Roy Nelson was particularly lackluster. Nelson lost a unanimous decision, marking his career-worst fourth consecutive defeat.
The 43-year-old had a successful Bellator debut against Javy Ayala, but it’s been steadily downhill from there. Known for his big right hand, Nelson hasn’t even scored a KO since he beat Antonio Silva in 2016, while he was still under UFC contract.
Bellator president Scott Coker was asked about Nelson’s future and whether it’s time for him to retire.
“I think that I go back and talk to my team about that. You know, I think Roy brought it and did his best today,” Coker said (via MMAjunkie). “It didn’t work out, but we’ll evaluate that. I think that it might be that time. I’m not sure, but that’s something that only Roy can decide. But as far as what I said on Wednesday, it’s definitely a possibility.”
Nelson (23-18) hasn’t made any statements on the status of his career, but he’s been rough to watch as of late, and his showing against Mir might be the strongest sign yet that the end of the road is near for “Big Country.”