Roy Nelson: Daniel Cormier Plays It Safe, Takes Time Off The Clock

UFC heavyweight Roy Nelson was last seen at last October’s UFC 166, losing a one-sided decision to undefeated heavyweight Daniel Cormier. While Nelson didn’t have an answer for Cormier’s strategy, “Big Country” wasn’t shy about his disdain for “DC’s” refusal to engage him.

In truth, it was so obviously the main thing Cormier needed to avoid that there was little to no chance he would get into a firefight with the slugging Nelson. The TUF 10 winner will now head to Abu Dhabi to face former Pride heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 39 in April.

“Big Country” appeared on today’s edition of “The MMA Hour” to slam Cormier’s winning (but cautious at times) style inside the Octagon:

“[Cormier] did his job, like I knew he was going to do, I just wanted it to be…kind of like Big Nog is going to be a guy, he’s old school, he’s a fighter. He’s going to put on a show for the fans. I guess there’s a showmanship in fighting. Cormier was more of technician, very technical. He’s going to take some time off the clock. He’s like football, where all they’re going to do is run, run, run, run. There’s not going to be a pass.”??

“I don’t prefer to watch his style. I like it from a technical standpoint, but from that hardcore fighter standpoint where I want to see someone go out in a blaze of glory, he’s not going to be that guy. If he’s up two rounds, he’s going to play it safe. Stuff like that.”?

Those are some harsh words for a smart fighter who seemingly enacted the perfect gameplan to neutralize his opponent’s only way of pulling off an upset.

Cormier will make his long-rumored cut down to light heavyweight to face Rashad Evans in the co-main event of UFC 170 later this month.

Despite his spotless record, “DC” has been criticized for his inability to finish a fight in the UFC as of yet, instead preferring to fight more conservatively than in his heavy-hitting Strikeforce days.

Do you give any credit to “Country’s” criticism? Does Cormier need a finish to legitimize his lofty UFC status?