UFC 117 Predictions: Roy Nelson vs Junior Dos Santos

Roy Nelson certainly does not walk around with the typical physique of a mixed martial artist, but the 34 year old Las VegasUFC 117: Roy Nelson vs Junior Dos Santos Fight Odds, Picks & Predictions native knows how to handle himself inside the cage. Nelson, a former IFL champion, is 16-4 overall and 2-0 in the UFC, including a win over Brendan Schaub in The Ultimate Fighter 10 finale. Nelson, who stands six feet tall and weighs 263lbs., last fought in March when he scored a first round knock out of Stefan Struve.

"Big Country", who poses a difficult challenge for Dos Santos given his ground skills (BJJ Black Belt) and knockout power, has a great deal of respect for his opponent, but views him as an obstacle to his ultimate goal.

"Dos Santos is a phenomenal guy, I think skill set, he's that guy," Nelson said. "But for myself, he's a milestone to get to the belt."

Junior Dos Santos has looked scary good since joining the UFC in October of 2008. The Santa Catarina native is 5-0 in the promotion (11-1 overall), winning every fight by TKO/KO or submission. The 26 year old, who has only made it out of the first round once in his five UFC fights, destroyed former contender Gabriel Gonzaga with a first round knock out in his last appearance.

Dos Santos, who will square off with the winner of the Brock Lesnar/Cain Velasquez fight should he beat Nelson, predicted tonight's fight will look similar to his latest outings if "Big Country" gets too aggressive.

"If [Roy Nelson] tries to attack me, I will knock him out," Dos Santos said.

Bodog.com UFC 117 Roy Nelson vs Junior Dos Santos Fight Odds, Picks & Predictions:

Anderson Silva (-525) vs Chael Sonnen (+350)

Junior Dos Santos (-325) vs Roy Nelson (+250)

Thiago Alves (-105) vs Jon Fitch (-125)

Ricardo Almeida (-165) vs Matt Hughes (+135)

Clay Guida (-125) vs Rafael Dos Anjos (-105)

Dustin Hazelett (-115) vs Rick Story (-115)

Stefan Struve (-185) vs Christian Morecraft (+155)

Phil Davis (-800) vs Rodney Wallace (+500)

Ben Saunders (-265) vs Dennis Hallman (+205)

Johny Hendricks (-525) vs Charlie Brenneman (+325)