Kyle Nelson, Canada's own mixed martial artist, is set to stay in the UFC fold after receiving word from the organization that they intend to offer him a new deal.
Nelson wrapped up his opening contract with a 1-3 tally, but every single bout proved to be thrilling for fans. Right following his knockout defeat against Billy Quarantillo, White and the UFC crew approached Nelson personally to inform him of their desire to bring him back into the roster. As of now, however, a formal contract has not yet landed in his inbox.
Still, Nelson anticipates the paperwork will arrive shortly, given the UFC's current preoccupation with Conor McGregor's comeback.
"We are just waiting for Dana and the UFC staff to get back and settled from Fight Island," Nelson told MMA Empire.
"After my last fight, they told me they wanted to re-sign me and we have been in contact with Sean Shelby. Recently, someone posted on Twitter that Justin Jaynes vs. myself would be a great fight and we both commented saying yes, so we messaged Sean about that fight and he said stay ready for it."
Upon his return, Nelson plans to step up to lightweight — a division he considers his permanent destination. The grueling cuts at his current weight class have grown increasingly punishing, taking a toll on his cardiovascular performance.
At lightweight, Nelson believes he'll carry more knockout force and maintain a blistering tempo across all three rounds.
"That is the best bet now. I have gotten older with more muscle. The weight cut is starting to impact my cardio and endurance as I am getting older," Nelson explained.
"Lightweight will be my home. My power will also be better, just everything, cardio, power, lightweight will be a better fit for me."
The Canadian's goal is straightforward: secure that UFC contract and lace up his gloves once more. He fought just once in 2020, following a full year away from competition for circumstances beyond his control.
A bout with Jaynes sits high on Nelson's wish list, but ultimately he craves activity and a chance to string together some wins.
"I am in shape again and coming off the Polo Reyes fight, I was uninjured and wanted a quick turnaround. For whatever reason, that didn't happen and then the pandemic happened and it kept me out of action," Nelson concluded.
"I'm ready now to return though, even give me two or three weeks of training and I'll go in there. Ideally, a six-week training camp would be perfect. The Jaynes fight does interest me, but it is really whatever the UFC offers me."
