If he fulfills it, Roy Nelson‘s new UFC contract should keep him with the promotion for at least three years.

Nelson’s manager, Mike Kogan, today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that the heavyweight’s deal calls for nine fights in the octagon. He declined to disclose financial terms of the contract, citing its confidentiality provision.

For the first fight of the new deal, “Big Country” is scheduled to meet Daniel Cormier (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in the pay-per-view co-main event of UFC 166, which takes place Oct. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston.

Nelson (19-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC) looks to rebound from a lackluster showing in his most recent fight, which served as the last obligation of his previous contract. He faced Stipe Miocic on short notice this past month at UFC 161 and was thoroughly outstruck before losing a unanimous decision. The setback snapped a three-fight win streak of first-round knockouts.

Many observers thought Nelson’s tempestuous relationship with UFC President Dana White would open the door for his ouster from the promotion and a move into free agency, but White said he would negotiate with the fighter regardless of their past.

Early this month, Kogan said the two sides were close to a deal.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re not out of the ballpark, either,” he said. “Their offer is reasonable, and there’s some things that Roy wants in there, and that’s why it’s called a negotiation.”

Whatever his foibles outside the cage, Nelson brings excitement inside it. A five-time fight-night bonus winner, he’s delivered signature knockouts of Brendan Schaub, Stefan Struve, Dave Herman and Cheick Kongo.

Nelson’s bout with Cormier promises to bring fireworks. The two have sparred on Twitter and in interviews, with Cormier recently drawing up a fake bout agreement to promote their bout.

For the latest on UFC 166, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.