UFC News: Roy Nelson Says Daniel Cormier Is Protecting Cain Velasquez

This weekend at UFC 166, Daniel Cormier and Roy Nelson will square off in a heavyweight bout near the top of the card.

Win or lose, Cormier intends to drop to light heavyweight following the fight. Considering that his teammate and close friend Cain Velasquez is the heavyweight champion, Nelson believes that this fight is partly an attempt on Cormier's part to protect his friend from challengers like Nelson.

"Daniel's undefeated and I'm giving him his first loss," said Nelson. "Then, he can only protect Cain for so long."

As for the fight itself, Nelson said that he was "confident" heading into this Saturday.

"I'm confident, this is about as confident as fighting for the championship," Nelson admitted. "I'm gonna win."

UFC 166 goes down this Saturday from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Make sure to check back this weekend for live results and play-by-play.