Roy Nelson-Daniel Cormier Heavyweight Co-Main Event Announced for UFC 166

---

The UFC has made official a heavyweight bout between Daniel Cormier and Roy Nelson as the co-main event of UFC 166.

The matchup was announced Monday evening via Twitter, with the UFC writing “they made it, we booked it” in reference to a recent social-networking exchange between the big men. Last Thursday, Cormier drew up an informal bout agreement, which Nelson promptly signed and returned.

Now, with more legally binding paperwork presumably in place, the pair is set to meet Oct. 19 on pay-per-view from Toyoya Center in Houston. On the same card, the sport’s top heavyweight, Cain Velasquez, will defend his UFC belt in a rubber match against Brazilian nemesis Junior dos Santos.

The winner of the 10th season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” 37-year-old Nelson has become a cult favorite during his UFC run thanks to his heavy hands and unconventional physique. “Big Country” recently propelled himself to the brink of contention with knockouts of Cheick Kongo, Matt Mitrione and Dave Herman, only to have his momentum halted by Stipe Miocic in a lopsided June loss.

While questions abound regarding a possible move to light heavyweight, Cormier, 34, remains one of the sport’s top heavyweight prospects. The unbeaten wrestling convert from American Kickboxing Academy made a statement in his April UFC debut by dominating former champion Frank Mir in a three-round, unanimous decision.