‘Who wants their logo on that’… Dana White slammed UFC legend after disappointing loss

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Dana White took aim at UFC veteran Roy Nelson after his disappointing loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 161.

Roy Nelson became a fan favorite when he entered the UFC following his win on The Ultimate Fighter. Unlike most fighters, he never fit the mould of a typical mixed martial artist – carrying a big frame, long mullet and thick beard right up to the heavyweight limit.

After scoring notable wins over Matt Mitrione and Cheick Kongo, Nelson stepped into a key bout against Stipe Miocic on 15 June 2013.

White blasts Nelson for not taking his image seriously

Miocic, coming off a loss to Stefan Struve, saw Nelson – who was riding a three-fight win streak – as his opportunity to bounce back. While ‘Big Country’ looked to land his trademark overhand early, Miocic avoided danger and controlled the fight from start to finish.

Afterward, UFC President Dana White didn’t hold back when asked about Nelson’s marketability and appearance.

“It doesn’t have to do with Roy’s shape, it has nothing to do with his physique or anything like that,” White said at the post-fight press conference. “Roy came to me once and said, ‘I’m having a hard time getting sponsors.’ I said, ‘Really? I can’t imagine why.’”

“I told him – cut your hair, lose some weight, get rid of the walkout song ‘I’m Fat,’ and start taking yourself seriously. Next press conference, his mullet was longer, beard even longer, and he maybe lost six pounds.”

White continued, “Who wants their logo on that? Not even Burger King. You ever see a Burger King commercial? It’s all fit guys and good-looking women. They don’t want that image representing them either.”

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Nelson’s post-UFC 161 run and move to Bellator

Despite the public criticism, Nelson remained with the UFC for several more years, eventually leaving the promotion in 2017. He then signed with Bellator, picking up just one win in six appearances.

In 2023, Nelson returned to combat sports in surprising fashion, knocking out Dillon Checkler in his debut for Jorge Masvidal’s bare-knuckle promotion.

Later that year, he faced former UFC fighter Alan Belcher, dropping a close split decision in what may have been one of the final fights of his long career.