UFC returns to Japan with Josh Barnet defeating Roy Nelson in a 5-round bout.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) found itself in Saitama, Japan, on Saturday September 27th, as Josh Barnett defeated Roy Nelson in the heavyweight main event. It was the fourth consecutive year that the UFC had made this trip to the Saitama Super Arena. And the night truly belonged to the “War Master” Josh Barnett who put in an outstanding performance that led to his unanimous victory (50-45, 48-47, 48-47) over his rival.

In his first fight in about a year, Barnett used clinch-against-the-cage to batter Nelson throughout the match. The former PRIDE star made use of repeated kicks to his opponent’s midsection and also clobbered him with multiple head blows and kicks to the gut. The closest rounds were the first and the fifth when Barnett came very close to put down his rival.

After the fight, Barnett, 37, addressed the crowd in Japanese saying that he has trained in the country for several years and loved his time at Saitama with PRIDE. Barnett has not fought in about 21 months when he lost to Travis Browne at UFC 168 in December 2013. During this time, he engaged in many different activities ranging from podcasts and movies to being a commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling aired on AXS TV. However, the former UFC champion who was once known as the “Baby Faced Assassin” cemented his position as one of the greatest heavyweight champions by winning the bout against Nelson on Saturday night.

Nelson, 39, has now lost three straight and five of the previous six bouts. He was not in good shape for the match and was totally outclassed by his rival. Still, he did make some good moves during the fight like when he landed a big head kick in the second round. Yet, his granite chin and incredible will were not enough to claim victory over his rival.

Nelson had taken one of the worst beatings in his career as Barnett didn’t waste any opportunity to wear his opponent down using kicks and punches in the right places at the right time. Barnett had the sharper mind during the bout as he avoided blow after blow from his rival. He easily avoided Nelson’s haymaker and triumphed over his opponent due through tactful moves. He was extremely active and agile in the ring and did not let his opponent take any advantage during the fight.

The fight could have easily ended in a KO. However, Nelson’s defensive grappling and stamina did not give Barnett much of anfor a takedown. That being said, the dead horse got beaten again at the “Big Country” fight. This will most likely continue to happen until Nelson changes his tactics and works harder ingetting his body in shape. If there is one thing we witnessed during Saturday night’s bout, it’s that Nelson has little chance in winning championship bouts like the UFC.