Gunnar Nelson Is an Ideal Candidate to Headline UFC Dublin

Photos by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Gunnar Nelson proved why he is one of the most dangerous welterweights on the UFC’s roster on Saturday night when he took victory in the first round of Brandon ‘Rukus’ Thatch.

Thatch is known as one of the devastating strikers in the world in the opening five minutes of a bout. In his professional career ‘Rukus’ has claimed all of eleven of his victories in the first round. His two first bouts with the UFC, against Justin Edwards and Paulo Thiago, were vicious showing of his striking skill set.

The Denver native collected his first UFC loss lack in February and based on that, many people felt that Benson Henderson had provided the whole division with the blue print on how to beat him. Despite ‘Bendo’ claiming the victory on the night, there is no doubt that Thatch tested his chin up until the fourth round where he was smothered and eventually submitted with a rear naked choke.

For a lot of people, the fact that towering Thatch had been tired out by the first three rounds played a big part in Henderson’s win. For them, it was very much a case of ‘Gunni’ needing to get out of the first round. But, what happened at UFC 189 says a lot about the evolution of the Mjolnir man.

When he faced Rick Story in October, it was Story’s advantage in the striking department that won him the fight. Using single shots rather than combinations, Nelson didn’t manage to claim victory after a five round war and thus went on to bank the first loss of his career.

Thatch came straight for Nelson when the bell sounded in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Instead of retreating, Nelson met ‘Rukus’ in the middle of the Octagon. While some might have though the stoic Icelandic fighter was asking for trouble in doing so, it wasn’t long before he landed a beautifully timed left hook, right straight combination that sent Thatch to the canvas. When ‘Gunni’ followed his opponent to the ground, the writing was already on the wall.

Thatch seemed absolutely oblivious as to how to stop the intricate transitions of Nelson and before he knew it, his face was wincing from the arrival of the jiu jitsu black belt’s choking arm. It was matter of seconds before he succumbed to the submission. Really, it’s a crime that the Icelandic fighter wasn’t rewarded with a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus after such an impressive showing, although it was an night that provided a plethora of spectacular stoppages.

Nelson seems an obvious choice for a main event slot in Dublin after the Thatch victory. The noise of the Irish that dominated the assembly in the MGM on Saturday night roared in support of Nelson on his way to and from the Octagon. There is no doubt that they would immediately warm to the idea of ‘Gunni’ taking pride of place on October 24’s UFC Fight Night card in the Irish capital.

Having trained under John Kavanagh for a number of years, Nelson launched his professional MMA career in the Ireland before going on to take on challenges all over the world. He has a close-knit relationship with the SBG team and especially Conor McGregor, with the two often travelling between Ireland and Iceland to train with one another. Such was his prodigal approach to jiu jitsu when he was training under Kavanagh as young man that most people studying the gentle art in Ireland had heard stories about him. Even before he was launched into the mainstream with his memorable ADCC performance over Jeff Monson, there were already stories doing the rounds about the Scandinavian’s prodigal ground game.

Nelson himself has called the Irish capital a second home in the past. Having spent periods of time living with the SBG charges, some of the things he says are even pronounced in a Dublin drawl. When he made his way to the Octagon for his bout against Zak Cummings in last July in the 3 Arena, he was greeted like a hometown hero.

During the bout he was given the same treatment as the Irish charges as they gave him their signature ‘Ole, Ole, Ole’. Although the Irish MMA community always considered Nelson one of their own, it was after the UFC’s Dublin return last year that the international media began to realize what the Icelandic submission specialist means to the Irish – they consider him one of their own.

There is no doubt about Gunni’s drawing power in Ireland, but it’s hard to know who UFC would square him off with. The fact that Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson claimed a first round KO victory over Jake Ellenberger the day after Nelson got back in the win column certainly make sense as far as timelines are concerned.

The spinning hook kick finish Thompson claimed over Ellenberger will most definitely bolster his stock too. With his stellar kickboxing pedigree and elusive striking style, ‘Wonderboy’ could make for a serious challenge for the jiu jitsu black belt. To add to that, his exciting style has proven a big hit with fans, so the Irish would more than likely welcome the matchup if it were made. To add to that, Thompson’s latest win has moved him up to ninth place in the rankings, which would no doubt make him an appealing target for Nelson.

‘Gunni’ will be eager to show UFC that he is well capable of handling the top billing on a card after coming up short against Rick Story in his first attempt at headlining a UFC event. It just didn’t seem like the Nelson that we have come to know over the years in Stockholm that night. He has undoubtedly gained a lot from his first taste of defeat.

Coming off the stunning first round win over Thatch, Nelson’s confidence will be sky high and should he take another victory against another highly touted fighter in the 170 lbs division, the Mjolnir front runner could be back in the mix for a top five opponent.

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