Gunnar Nelson (fighter)

{{About|the mixed martial arts fighter|the musician|Gunnar Nelson (singer)}}

{{Infobox martial artist

|name = Gunnar Nelson

|nickname = Gunni

|image = Gunnar Nelson (fighter).jpg

|image_size =

|alt =

|caption = Gunnar Nelson

|birth_name = Gunnar Lúðvík Nelson{{Cite web|title=Gunner Nelson is willing to fight Darren Till in London - MMA INDIA|date=10 January 2018 |url=https://www.mmaindia.com/gunner-nelson-is-willing-to-fight-darren-till-in-london/|access-date=2021-09-24|language=en-US}}

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1988|07|28}}

|birth_place = Akureyri, Iceland

|residence = Reykjavík, Iceland

|height = {{convert|5|ft|11|in|cm|abbr=on}}

|weight = 170 lbs

|weight_class = Welterweight

|reach = 72 in{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC189/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC 189 Mendes vs. McGregor|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=July 17, 2015|archive-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720202123/http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC189/printFightCard|url-status=dead}}

|stance = Orthodox

|style = Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate

|fighting_out_of = Reykjavík, Iceland

|team = Mjölnir
SBG Ireland

|rank = Black belt in Gōjū-ryū Karate{{cite news|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/gunnar-nelson-in-the-style-of-iceland|title=Gunnar Nelson in the Style of Iceland|publisher=Vice Fightland Blog|author=Dan Shapiro|date=July 17, 2014}}
3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu{{cite web | url=https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=14681 | title=StackPath }} under Renzo Gracie{{cite web|title=Gunnar Nelson |url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/gunnar-nelson|website=UFC.com|date=14 September 2018 |accessdate=March 27, 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/photos-an-inside-look-at-mjolnir/|title=Photos: An Inside look at Mjölnir|author=Daniel Schälander|date=January 6, 2019|publisher=mmaviking.com}}

|years_active = 2007–present

|mma_kowin = 4

|mma_subwin = 13

|mma_decwin = 2

|mma_koloss = 1

|mma_subloss =

|mma_decloss = 5

|mma_draw = 1

|mma_nc =

|sherdog = 25246

|url = {{URL|gunnarnelson.com}}

|footnotes =

|updated =

}}

{{MedalCountry|{{Flagu|Iceland}}}}

Gunnar Lúðvík Nelson (born 28 July 1988) is an Icelandic professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which was awarded by Renzo Gracie after impressive results at the 2009 IBJJF Pan-Ams and the 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://nelson.is/record.html |access-date=October 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314114037/http://www.nelson.is/record.html |archive-date=March 14, 2010 |title=Gunnar Nelson - Record }} Nelson is a member of Mjölnir MMA[https://www.mjolnir.is/en Mjölnir gym] in Iceland, and SBG Ireland.{{cite web|url=http://www.odinsbud.com/pages/about-us|title=Odinsbud - MMA fightwear - Mjolnir - Iceland|work=Óðinsbúð}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sbgireland.com/fighters/|title=MMA Fighters|work=SBG Ireland|access-date=2016-05-13|archive-date=2016-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508112337/http://www.sbgireland.com/fighters/|url-status=dead}}

Background

=Early life=

Gunnar was born on 28 July 1988, in Akureyri in the north side of Iceland but has lived in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, almost all his life from early childhood. He played football and ice hockey in his childhood years. At the age of 13, he started training in Gōjū-ryū Karate and won the Icelandic Juvenile Kumite Championship title in 2003, and again in 2004 and 2005. He took home medals in every karate tournament he participated in from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, he was chosen as Iceland's most promising up-and-coming karate talent of that year, when he was just 16. However, he gave up karate to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling at age 17.

Gunnar's father, Haraldur Dean Nelson (aka Halli Nelson), is of Anglo-American and Icelandic descent. He is also Gunnar's manager. Gunnar's mother, Guðrún Hulda Gunnarsdóttir Nelson, is Icelandic. Gunnar has one sibling, a sister named María Dögg Nelson, born in 1992 in Reykjavík.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/r/Sherdog-Prospect-Watch-Gunnar-Nelson-22852 |title=Sherdog Prospect Watch: Gunnar Nelson |website=www.sherdog.com |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915061103/http://www.sherdog.com/news/r/Sherdog-Prospect-Watch-Gunnar-Nelson-22852 |archive-date=15 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nelson.is/about.html |access-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227134602/http://nelson.is/about.html |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |title=About Gunnar Nelson }} María is an actress in their home country of Iceland.{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11062165/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 |title=Actress María Dögg Nelson |website=www.imdb.com |access-date=2 March 2023 }}

=Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu=

Gunnar began grappling in 2006, receiving his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) blue belt from Matt Thornton of Straight Blast Gym International. From the age of 17, he continued his tutelage primarily under John Kavanagh, one of Thornton's students. Gunnar first met Kavanagh during one of his BJJ seminars at Mjolnir,{{cite web|last=Hughes|first=Jake|title=Fightland Talks To: Gunnar Nelson and Conor McGregor's Coach|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/fightland-meets-gunnar-nelson-and-conor-mcgregors-coach|work=Fightland Blog|publisher=Vice.com|access-date=6 November 2013}} and the SBG Ireland owner would remain his head coach until this day. By 2008, Gunnar had already progressed far enough for Kavanagh to award him his brown belt,{{cite web |url=http://www.nelson.is/is/frettir/gunnar-awarded-a-brown-belt-in-bjj |work=Gunnar Nelson Official|date=June 2008 |title=Gunnar Awarded a Brown Belt in BJJ}} but with Kavanagh not being a black belt for more than six years at the time, he was unable to award Gunnar his own black belt under IBJJF rules. Gunnar subsequently spent a period at Renzo Gracie Academy in New York to advance rank to black belt. Shortly after his arrival, he had competed for their team in various competitions, winning a silver medal in the 2009 Mundials brown belt category.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2009mundial.htm |access-date=October 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907150208/http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2009mundial.htm |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |title=NomeFaixaIdadePesoColocacaoAcademia }} He also won gold at the 2009 Pan American Championship (Gi),{{cite web|url=http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2009pan.htm |access-date=October 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822070848/http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2009pan.htm |archive-date=August 22, 2009 |title=NomeFaixaIdadePesoColocacaoAcademia }} along with gold and silver (open class) in the 2009 Pan American Championship (No-Gi).{{cite web|url=http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2009pannogi.htm |access-date=October 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007081847/http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2009pannogi.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2009 |title=NomeFaixaIdadePesoColocacaoAcademia }} At the 2009 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, Gunnar took 4th place in the absolute category where he defeated the much heavier and touted BJJ Black Belts Jeff Monson and David Avellan.[http://graciemagbarcelona2009.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/absolute-bronze/ Absolute bronze « Graciemag at the ADCC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118105227/http://graciemagbarcelona2009.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/absolute-bronze/|date=2010-01-18}}. Graciemagbarcelona2009.wordpress.com (2009-09-27). Retrieved on 2012-02-26. Gracie had already seen enough, and awarded him his black belt after less than a year with his academy.[http://www.renzogracie.com/content/view/280/74/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003002447/http://www.renzogracie.com/content/view/280/74/|date=October 3, 2009}} In 2011, Gunnar was again offered a place in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship and had a good run (though not bringing home any medals), defeating the then present and twofold European Champion and multiple Finnish champion Marko Helen and the Brazilian and American champion and former World Champion Bruno Frazzato.{{cite web|url=http://www.nelson.is/index.html |access-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227135106/http://nelson.is/index.html |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |title=Gunnar Nelson - Official website of the Icelandic professional fighter Gunnar Nelson }}

Today, Gunnar is an instructor in his home club Mjolnir. He spends his time between there, SBG Ireland, Renzo Gracie Academy, and also SBG Mainline in Manchester.

Mixed martial arts career

=Early career=

In May 2007, Gunnar fought in mixed martial arts for the first time, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The fight was against Danish fighter John Olesen. The judges ruled the bout a draw.

Gunnar won five more fights in the 16 months following his debut, in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Denmark, before taking a break from the sport for almost two years. He returned at BAMMA 2: Roundhouses at the Roundhouse in February 2010 and defeated opponent Sam Elsdon via submission in the first round. He secured another first round victory in his next fight against Danny Mitchell at Cage Contender 6 in Manchester, England before returning to BAMMA later that year. His next appearance was at BAMMA 4: Reid vs. Watson in September 2010 where he faced previously unbeaten British prospect Eugene Fadiora and won by submission in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://www.bamma.net/index.php/schedule/event-results/bamma-4.html |access-date=September 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001094953/http://www.bamma.net/index.php/schedule/event-results/bamma-4.html |archive-date=October 1, 2010 |title=BAMMA 4 Results }} In February 2012, Gunnar returned to MMA with a first round armbar submission win over Ukrainian fighter Alexander Butenko at Cage Contender 12 in Dublin Ireland. In late 2012 Gunnar signed a multi-fight agreement with the UFC.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/renzo-gracie-black-belt-gunnar-nelson-signs-with-the-ufc|title=Renzo Gracie Black Belt Gunnar Nelson Signs with the UFC|website=Cdn.mmaweekly.com|date=8 July 2012 |access-date=2016-02-24}}

=Ultimate Fighting Championship=

Gunnar signed a multifight contract with the UFC in July 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/renzo-gracie-black-belt-gunnar-nelson-signs-with-the-ufc|title=Renzo Gracie Black Belt Gunnar Nelson signs with UFC|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2012-07-08|access-date=2012-07-08|last=Martin|first=Damon}} He's the first fighter from Iceland to fight for the company.

Gunnar was expected to make his promotional debut against Pascal Krauss on September 29, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Struve vs. Miocic.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/29584/pascal-krauss-vs-gunnar-nelson-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-5-in-nottingham.mma|title=Pascal Krauss vs Gunnar Nelson added to UFC on Fuel TV 5 in Nottingham|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=July 9, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006075732/http://mmajunkie.com/news/29584/pascal-krauss-vs-gunnar-nelson-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-5-in-nottingham.mma|archive-date=October 6, 2012}} However, Krauss was forced out of the bout with an injury (Rich Attonito was shortly linked to fighting Gunnar but he had weight concerns and also pulled out) and Gunnar was expected to face DaMarques Johnson at a catchweight bout of 175 lb,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/debuting-gunnar-nelson-now-draws-damarques-johnson-at-ufc-on-fuel-tv-5|title=Debuting Gunnar Nelson Now Draws DaMarques Johnson at UFC on Fuel TV 5|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2012-09-18|access-date=2012-09-18}}

but his opponent could not make the required weight. The fight was contested at 183 lbs (Gunnar weighed in at 175 lbs).{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30831/ufc-on-fuel-tv-5-live-and-official-weigh-in-results.mma|title=UFC on Fuel TV 5 weigh-in results: Miocic (239) and Struve (251) on weight (updated)|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=2012-09-28|access-date=2012-09-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930004931/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30831/ufc-on-fuel-tv-5-live-and-official-weigh-in-results.mma|archive-date=2012-09-30}} Gunnar submitted Johnson via rear-naked choke at the 3:34 mark of the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/30856/ufc-on-fuel-tv-5-results-damarques-johnsonvs-gunnar-nelson.mma|title=UFC on Fuel TV 5 results: Gunnar Nelson chokes out DaMarques Johnson in first round|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=2012-09-29|access-date=2012-09-29|last=Stupp|first=Dann|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002035127/http://mmajunkie.com/news/30856/ufc-on-fuel-tv-5-results-damarques-johnsonvs-gunnar-nelson.mma|archive-date=2012-10-02}}

Gunnar was expected to face Justin Edwards on February 16, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/gunnar-nelson-vs-justin-edwards-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-7-in-london|title=Gunnar Nelson vs. Justin Edwards added to UFC on Fuel TV 7 in London|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 13, 2012|access-date=December 13, 2012}} However, Edwards was forced to pull out of the bout citing an injury, and was replaced by returning veteran Jorge Santiago.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/justin-edwards-out-jorge-santiago-in-against-gunnar-nelson-at-ufc-on-fuel-tv-7|title=Justin Edwards out, Jorge Santiago in against Gunnar Nelson at UFC on Fuel TV 7|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 23, 2013}} Gunnar won the fight by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27).{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-on-fuel-tv-7-results-gunnar-nelson-remains-undefeated-with-commanding-performance|title=UFC on Fuel TV 7 Results: Gunnar Nelson Remains Undefeated with Commanding Performance|website=Cdn.mmaweekly.com|date=16 February 2013 |access-date=2016-02-24}}

Gunnar was expected to face Mike Pyle on May 25, 2013, at UFC 160.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/02/gunnar-nelson-meets-mike-pyle-at-mays-ufc-160-in-las-vegas|title=Gunnar Nelson meets Mike Pyle at May's UFC 160 in Las Vegas|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=John Morgan|date=February 28, 2013}} However, Gunnar pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Rick Story.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/rick-story-replaces-gunnar-nelson-meets-mike-pyle-at-ufc-160|title=Rick Story replaces Gunnar Nelson, meets Mike Pyle at UFC 160|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=April 10, 2013|access-date=April 10, 2013}}

A year later Gunnar returned to the UFC and faced Omari Akhmedov on March 8, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 37.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/12/ufc-european-tour-in-london-adds-gunnar-nelson-omari-akhmedov-igor-araujo-danny-mitchell/|title=UFC European Tour in London adds Gunnar Nelson-Omari Akhmedov|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Dann Stupp|date=December 10, 2013}} Gunnar won the fight via submission in the first round. The win also earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/ufc-fight-night-37-bonuses-alexander-gustafsson-earns-dual-awards/|title=UFC Fight Night 37 bonuses: Alexander Gustafsson earns dual awards|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan|access-date=2014-03-08|date=2014-03-08}}

Gunnar was expected to face Ryan LaFlare on July 19, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 46.{{cite web|url=http://www.visir.is/gunnar-nelson-maetir-osigrudum-bandarikjamanni-i-dyflinni/article/2014140429009|title=Gunnar Nelson mætir ósigruðum Bandaríkjamanni í Dyflinni|publisher=visir.is|access-date=2014-04-29|date=2014-04-29}} LaFlare suffered an injury and was replaced by Zak Cummings.{{cite web|url=http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/3350/laflare-injured-gunnar-nelson-gets-ufc-dublin-replacement.htm|title=LaFlare Injured, Nelson Gets New Opponent For UFC Dublin|publisher=YourMMA.tv|access-date=2014-05-28|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140528121931/http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/3350/laflare-injured-gunnar-nelson-gets-ufc-dublin-replacement.htm|archive-date=2014-05-28}} Gunnar won the fight via second round rear-naked choke. The victory secured his second Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/ufc-fight-night-46-bonuses-mcgregor-nelson-pendred-king-win-50000|title=UFC Fight Night 46 bonuses: McGregor, Nelson, Pendred, King win $50,000|author=Matt Erickson|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=2014-07-19|date=2014-07-19}}

Gunnar next faced Rick Story on October 4, 2014, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 53.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/gunnar-nelson-vs-rick-story-set-for-ufc-fight-night-53-main-event-in-stockholm|title=Gunnar Nelson vs. Rick Story set for UFC Fight Night 53 main event in Stockholm|author=Matt Erickson|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|access-date=2014-08-07|date=2014-08-07}} Gunnar lost the fight via split decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/rick-story-upsets-undefeated-prospect-gunnar-nelson-in-sweden-100414|title=Rick Story upsets undefeated prospect Gunnar Nelson in Sweden|publisher=msn.foxsports.com.|author=Damon Martin|date=2014-10-04|access-date=2014-10-04}}

Gunnar was expected to face John Hathaway on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-189-Update-Gunnar-NelsonJohn-Hathaway-Welterweight-Bout-Set-for-July-11-84175|title=UFC 189 Update: Gunnar Nelson-John Hathaway welterweight bout set for July 17|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Crichfield|date=2015-04-01|access-date=2015-04-01}} However, Hathaway pulled out of the bout on June 23 citing injury, and was replaced by Brandon Thatch.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/brandon-thatch-in-for-injured-john-hathaway-vs-gunnar-nelson-at-ufc-189|title=Brandon Thatch meets Gunnar Nelson at UFC 189, John Howard now gets Cathal Pendred|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2015-06-23|access-date=2015-06-23}} Gunnar won the fight by submission due to a rear naked choke in round one after dropping Thatch with a left-right hand combo.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-189-results-gunnar-nelson-drops-then-chokes-out-brandon-thatch-in-first|title=UFC 189 results: Gunnar Nelson drops, then chokes out Brandon Thatch in first|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=2015-07-11|access-date=2015-07-11}}

Gunnar was briefly linked to a fight with Demian Maia on October 24, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 76, but the bout did not materialize for that event as Maia was sidelined with a staph infection on his left leg.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/13/9145407/demian-maia-suffers-nasty-staph-infection-on-his-leg-prevents-him|title=Demian Maia suffers nasty staph infection on his leg, prevents him from fighting Gunnar Nelson|author=Chuck Mindenhall|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=2015-08-13}} The bout eventually took place on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/yet-another-ufc-194-biggie-demian-maia-vs-gunnar-nelson|title=Yet another UFC 194 biggie: Demian Maia vs. Gunnar Nelson|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-09-04|access-date=2015-09-04}} Gunnar lost the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/ufc-194-results-demian-maia-dominates-gunnar-nelson-calls-for-welterweight-title-shot|title=UFC 194 results: Demian Maia dominates Gunnar Nelson, calls for 170 title shot|publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson|date=2015-12-12|access-date=2015-12-12}}

Gunnar faced Albert Tumenov on May 8, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 87.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/albert-tumenov-vs-gunnar-nelson-added-to-ufc-fight-night-87-in-rotterdam|title=Albert Tumenov vs. Gunnar Nelson added to UFC Fight Night 87 in Rotterdam|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-03-01|access-date=2016-03-01}} He won the fight via submission in the second round, and earned his third Performance of the Night bonus.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/05/ufc-fight-night-87-results-gunnar-nelson-gets-tap-becomes-first-to-finish-albert-tumenov|title=UFC Fight Night 87 results: Gunnar Nelson gets tap, becomes first to finish Albert Tumenov|author=Steven Marrocco|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-05-08|access-date=2016-05-09}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Rotterdam-Bonuses-Overeem-Struve-Nelson-de-Randamie-Pocket-3650K-104649|title=UFC Rotterdam bonuses: Overeem, Struve, Nelson, de Randamie pocket $50K|author=Tristen Critchfield|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2016-05-08|access-date=2016-05-08}}

Gunnar was expected to face Dong Hyun Kim on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 99.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/8/24/12635044/gunnar-nelson-vs-dong-hyun-kim-slated-for-ufcs-return-to-northern|title=Gunnar Nelson vs. Dong Hyun Kim slated for UFC's return to Northern Ireland|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2016-08-24|access-date=2016-08-24}} However, on October 21, it was announced that Gunnar had pulled out due to an injury and the fight was off. Kim was rescheduled to face Tarec Saffiedine on December 30, 2016, at UFC 207.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/ufc-belfast-loses-main-event-as-sbgs-gunnar-nelson-suffers-injury/99909|title=UFC Belfast loses main event as SBG's Gunnar Nelson suffers injury|publisher=sportsjoe.ie|author=Darragh Murphy|date=2016-10-21|access-date=2016-10-21|archive-date=2016-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023230408/http://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/ufc-belfast-loses-main-event-as-sbgs-gunnar-nelson-suffers-injury/99909|url-status=dead}}

Gunnar faced Alan Jouban on March 18, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 107.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/2/14/14608600/gunnar-nelson-faces-alan-jouban-at-ufc-fight-night-107-in-london|title=Gunnar Nelson faces Alan Jouban at UFC Fight Night 107 in London|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=2017-02-13|access-date=2017-02-13}} After rocking Jouban with a punch, Gunnar secured a guillotine choke to win by submission in the second round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/03/ufc-fight-night-107-results-gunnar-nelson-on-point-chokes-out-alan-jouban-in-second|title=UFC Fight Night 107 results: Gunnar Nelson on point, chokes out Alan Jouban in second|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2017-03-18|access-date=2017-03-18}} He was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-107-Bonuses-Manuwa-Nelson-Vera-Diakiese-Receive-3650K-Checks-118871|title=UFC Fight Night 107 bonuses: Manuwa, Nelson, Vera, Diakiese receive $50K checks|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=2017-03-18|access-date=2017-03-18}}

Gunnar faced Santiago Ponzinibbio on July 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 113.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/5/12/15629294/gunnar-nelson-vs-santiago-ponzinibbio-to-headline-ufc-fight-night-113|title=Gunnar Nelson vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio to headline UFC Fight Night 113|publisher=mmafighting|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2017-05-12|access-date=2017-05-12}} He lost the fight by knockout in the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/7/16/15979354/ufc-fight-night-113-results-sergio-ponzinibbio-knocks-out-gunnar-nelson|title=UFC Fight Night 113 results: Santiago Ponzinibbio knocks out Gunnar Nelson|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=2017-07-16|access-date=2017-07-16}} At the post-fight press conference, Gunnar claimed that Ponzinibbio poked him in the eye during one of the earlier exchange and caused him see double: "And I really should have said something because I was seeing double for the rest of the fight. He caught me with a shot that I didn’t really see."{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/7/16/15978768/ufc-fight-night-113-gunnar-nelson-was-seeing-double-after-santiago-ponzibbio-poked-him-in-eye-mma|title=Nelson: I Was Seeing Double After Early Eye Poke|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=2017-07-19}} Ponzinibbio dismissed Gunnar's claim and stated, "I went there to knock him out and thank God it went as expected, I won by knockout. If (the eye poke) happened, of course it wasn’t intentional, but I watched the video again and didn’t see it."{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2017/7/18/15990678/ufc-glasgow-happy-santiago-ponzinibbio-dismisses-eye-poke-accusations-rout-gunnar-nelson|title=Ponzinibbio dismisses eye-poke accusations in rout of Nelson|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=2017-07-19}} However pictures from the fight clearly show that Ponzinibbio poked Gunnar's eyes number of times in the fight.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nelson.is/is/frettir/eye-pokes-in-glasgow|title=UFC will not act on the brutal eye gouging in Glasgow|date=2017-09-13|language=en-US}} After the fight, Gunnar appealed his loss, as the referee had failed to stop the fight due to eye pokes under the Unified Rules of MMA; his appeal was denied by UFC.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/09/gunnar-nelson-appeal-ufc-fight-night-113-santago-ponzinibbio|title=Gunnar Nelson's team disappointed after appeal fails in UFC Fight Night 113 loss|date=2017-09-12|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2017-09-12|language=en-US}}

Gunnar was expected to face Neil Magny on May 27, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 130.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/3/26/17166060/report-neil-magny-gunnar-nelson-targeted-ufc-liverpool-mma-news|title=Neil Magny vs. Gunnar Nelson targeted for UFC Liverpool|author=Harry Davies|website=bloodyelbow.com|date=2018-03-26|access-date=2018-03-26|archive-date=2018-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704123300/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/3/26/17166060/report-neil-magny-gunnar-nelson-targeted-ufc-liverpool-mma-news|url-status=dead}} However, it was reported on April 28, 2018, that he was pulled from the event due to knee injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/gunnar-nelson-out-of-co-main-event-fight-against-neil-magny-at-ufc-in-liverpool|title=Gunnar Nelson Out of Co-Main Event Fight Against Neil Magny at UFC in Liverpool|website=www.mmaweekly.com|date=28 April 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-28}}

Gunnar faced Alex Oliveira on December 8, 2018, at UFC 231.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/10/gunnar-nelson-returns-vs-cowboy-oliveira-at-ufc-231-in-toronto|title=Gunnar Nelson returns vs. 'Cowboy' Oliveira at UFC 231 in Toronto|date=2018-10-25|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-10-25|language=en-US}} He won the fight via a rear-naked choke after opening a brutal cut with an elbow in round two.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/12/8/18121519/ufc-231-results-gunnar-nelson-scores-bloody-submission-on-alex-oliveira-mma-news|title=UFC 231 results: Gunnar Nelson scores bloody submission on Alex Oliveira|last=Mercado|first=Eddie|date=2018-12-08|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2018-12-09|archive-date=2018-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209212707/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/12/8/18121519/ufc-231-results-gunnar-nelson-scores-bloody-submission-on-alex-oliveira-mma-news|url-status=dead}}

Gunnar faced Leon Edwards on March 16, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 147.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/25778762/darren-meet-jorge-masvidal-ufc-fight-night-march-16|title=Darren Till, Jorge Masvidal to meet in main event of UFC Fight Night|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2019-01-16|publisher=espn|access-date=2019-01-16}} He lost the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/ufc-london-results-leon-edwards-survives-late-charge-to-take-split-over-gunnar-nelson|title=UFC London results: Leon Edwards survives late charge to take split over Gunnar Nelson|date=2019-03-16|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|access-date=2019-03-17}}

Gunnar was expected to face Thiago Alves on September 28, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 160.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/06/thiago-alves-vs-gunnar-nelson-welterweight-ufc-on-espn-plus-18-copenhagen|title=Thiago Alves vs. Gunnar Nelson booked for UFC on ESPN+ 18 in Copenhagen|website=mmajunkie.com|date=2018-06-26|access-date=2019-06-26}} However, Alves pulled out of the fight in mid-September due to undisclosed injury,{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/09/thiago-alves-out-ufc-copenhagen-gunnar-nelson-needs-new-opponent|title=Thiago Alves out at UFC on ESPN+ 18, Gunnar Nelson needs new opponent|website=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan|date=2019-09-12|access-date=2019-09-12}} and he was replaced by Gilbert Burns.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/gilbert-burns-vervangt-thiago-alves-tegen-gunnar-nelson-tijdens-ufc-kopenhagen/|title=Gilbert Burns vervangt Thiago Alves tegen Gunnar Nelson tijdens UFC Kopenhagen|date=15 September 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-15}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/09/28/ufc-copenhagen-results-gunnar-nelson-vs-gilbert-burns/|title=UFC Copenhagen Results: Gilbert Burns Wins Decision Over Gunnar Nelson|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-09-28|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-29}}

As the first fight of his new multi-fight contract, Gunnar was expected to return from extended hiatus and face Cláudio Silva on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 204.{{Cite web|url= https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/01/ufc-london-gunnar-nelson-vs-claudio-silva-march-mma-fight-booking-matchup|title=Gunnar Nelson returns against Claudio Silva at UFC London in March|website=mmajunkie.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2022-01-24|access-date=2022-01-24}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaviking.com/gunnar-nelson-signs-new-ufc-contract-fight-announcement-coming/|title=Gunnar Nelson Signs New UFC Contract, Fight Announcement Coming|date=January 17, 2022|website=mmaviking.com|author=Ryan O'Leary}} However, Silva pulled out in early March due to a knee injury{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/4/22962243/claudio-silva-injured-out-ufc-london-fight-gunnar-nelson|title=Claudio Silva injured, out of UFC London fight with Gunnar Nelson|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2022-03-04|access-date=2022-03-04}} and he was replaced by Takashi Sato.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/7/22966166/gunnar-nelson-now-expected-to-face-takashi-sato-at-ufc-london-card|title=Gunnar Nelson now expected to face Takashi Sato at UFC London card|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2022-03-07|access-date=2022-03-07}} Gunnar won the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Behunin |first=Alex |date=2022-03-19 |title=UFC London: Gunnar Nelson Defeats Takashi Sato Via Unanimous Decision After A Two Year Layoff |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/19/ufc-london-gunnar-nelson-defeats-takashi-sato-via-unanimous-decision-two-year-layoff/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Nelson was scheduled to face Daniel Rodriguez on March 18, 2023, at UFC 286.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2023-01-13 |title=Gunnar Nelson returns against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 286 in London |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/13/23552008/gunnar-nelson-returns-against-daniel-rodriguez-at-ufc-286-in-london |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} However, Rodriguez withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons and he was replaced by Bryan Barberena.{{Cite web |last=Tkaczuk |first=Michał |date=2023-02-22 |title=Bryan Barberena wchodzi na zastępstwo, aby zawalczyć z Gunnarem Nelsonem na UFC 286 |url=https://www.mmarocks.pl/ksw-80/bryan-barberena-wchodzi-na-zastepstwo-aby-zawalczyc-z-gunnarem-nelsonem-na-ufc-286 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=MMA Rocks! |language=pl-PL}} Nelson won the fight via armbar submission in the first round.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2023-03-18 |title=UFC 286 results: Gunnar Nelson taps out Bryan Barberena with lightning quick armbar submission |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/18/23646670/ufc-286-results-gunnar-nelson-taps-out-bryan-barberena-with-lightning-quick-armbar-submission |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus for the finish.{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Kian |title=Gunnar Nelson Earns Bonus With Submission Win At UFC 286 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/gunnar-nelson-earns-bonus-with-submission-win-at-ufc-286/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=19 March 2023 |access-date=19 March 2023}}

After a two year hiatus from competing, Nelson faced Kevin Holland on March 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 255.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Guilherme |date=2025-01-30 |title=Gunnar Nelson books UFC London return against Kevin Holland |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/1/30/24355172/gunnar-nelson-books-ufc-london-return-against-kevin-holland |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/03/22/kevin-holland-stuffs-nelson-takedowns-earns-decision/|title=Kevin Holland Stuffs Nelson Takedowns, Earns Decision|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Eddie Law|date=2025-03-22|access-date=2025-03-22}}

View on mixed martial arts practices

= Weight cutting =

Throughout his career, Gunnar has never engaged in extensive weight cutting. His training weight is around 175–176 pounds, necessitating only a 5–6 pound weight cut.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmaviking.com/halli-nelson-calls-for-change-in-mindset-and-elimination-of-extreme-weight-cuts/|title=Halli Nelson Calls for 'Change in Mindset' and Elimination of Extreme Weight Cuts|last=O'Leary|first=Ryan|website=www.mmaviking.com|date=17 October 2015|language=en-US|access-date=2017-03-19}} He has been a big proponent of instituting strict rules against weight cutting, arguing that the practice is dangerous to the fighters and counterproductive to the UFC, as it leads to fights being cancelled or fought at catch weight.{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-gunnar-nelson-believes-weight-cutting-should-be-eliminated-in-mma-050616|title=Gunnar Nelson believes weight cutting should be eliminated in MMA |date=2016-05-06|newspaper=Fox Sports|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-25}}

= Wraps and gloves =

Gunnar fights and spars without wraps on his hands and uses small gloves. He has said that he would fight without any gloves if it were possible. He maintains that minimal wraps and gloves give him a better feel of what he's doing with his hands.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/gunnar-nelson-doesnt-wrap-his-hands-before-fights-likes-to-get-the-feel|title=Gunnar Nelson Doesn't Wrap His Hands Before Fights, Likes to 'Get the Feel'|website=www.mmaweekly.com|date=12 May 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-03-19}} Wraps and gloves are intended to protect fighters' hands, but Gunnar notes that he has never broken his hands.

Personal life

Gunnar has three children, a son and two daughters. His son was born on May 30, 2014, whose mother is Icelandic artist, Auður Ómarsdóttir. Gunnar and his girlfriend Fransiska Björk Hinriksdóttir, who is a clinical psychologist, have two daughters, born on October 31, 2019,{{Cite tweet |user=GunniNelson |author=Gunnar Nelson |number=1189993850183569408 |date = 31 Oct 2019 |title=Our baby is born, everyone is healthy and happy im very proud you Fransiska Bjork how u handled this for the first time and delivered us a healthy beautiful babygirl in a few hours. ❤❤ }} and August 13, 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.visir.is/g/20232450759d/gunnar-nel-son-og-fransiska-bjork-fognudu-faedingu-dottur-sinnar | title=Gunnar Nel짯짯son og Fransiska Bj철rk f철gnu챨u f챈챨ingu d처ttur sinnar - V챠sir | date=16 August 2023 }}

Championships and accomplishments

=Mixed martial arts=

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Performance of the Night (Five times) vs. Omari Akhmedov, Zak Cummings, Albert Tumenov, Alan Jouban, and Bryan Barberena
Most submission wins in UFC Welterweight division history (7)
Tied (Frank Mir & Michael Chiesa) for seventh most submission wins in UFC history (8){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0|title=UFC Records - All Fighters|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2024-12-15}}
Highest significant strike accuracy in UFC Welterweight division history (60.5%){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=WW|title=UFC Records - Welterweight|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2024-12-15}}
UFC.com Awards
2012: Ranked #8 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-newcomer-year|title=Ten Best - 2012 Newcomer of the Year|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=January 1, 2013|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
2015: Ranked #9 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Brandon Thatch}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/10-best-top-ufc-submissions-2015|title=10 Best 2013 Top UFC submissions of 2015|date=December 23, 2015|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
Nordic MMA Awards - MMAviking.com
2012 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaviking.com/mmaviking-coms-yearly-nordic-awards/|title=MMAViking.com's Yearly Nordic Awards|publisher=mmaviking.com}}
2015 Submission of the Year vs. Brandon Thatch
2018 Submission of the Year vs. Alex Oliveira

=Grappling=

North American Grappling Association
NAGA Middleweight Champion (One time)
International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
2009 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Middleweight Brown Belt Gi Silver Medalist
2009 IBJJF Pan American Championship Middleweight Brown Belt Gi Gold Medalist
2009 IBJJF Pan American Championship Middleweight Black Belt No Gi Gold Medalist
2009 IBJJF Pan American Championship Absolute Black Belt No Gi Silver Medalist

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

| draws= 1

| nc=

| ko-wins= 4

| sub-wins= 13

| dec-wins= 2

| ko-losses= 1

| sub-losses=

| dec-losses= 5

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|19–6–1

|Kevin Holland

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady

|{{dts|2025|March|22}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|London, England

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center|19–5–1

|Bryan Barberena

|Submission (armbar)

|UFC 286

|{{dts|2023|March|18}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:51

|London, England

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

| {{yes2}}Win

|align=center|18–5–1

|Takashi Sato

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall

|{{dts|2022|March|19}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|London, England

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–5–1

|Gilbert Burns

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Cannonier

|{{dts|2019|September|28}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Copenhagen, Denmark

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|17–4–1

|Leon Edwards

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Till vs. Masvidal

|{{dts|2019|March|16}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|London, England

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|17–3–1

|Alex Oliveira

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 231

|{{dts|2018|December|8}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:17

|Toronto, Ontario, Canada

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|16–3–1

|Santiago Ponzinibbio

|KO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio

|{{dts|2017|July|16}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:22

|Glasgow, Scotland

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|16–2–1

|Alan Jouban

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Manuwa vs. Anderson

|{{dts|2017|March|18}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|0:46

|London, England

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–2–1

|Albert Tumenov

|Submission (neck crank)

|UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Arlovski

|{{dts|2016|May|8}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:15

|Rotterdam, Netherlands

|{{Small|Performance of the Night.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|14–2–1

|Demian Maia

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 194

|{{dts|2015|December|12}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{Yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–1–1

|Brandon Thatch

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 189

|{{dts|2015|July|11}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:54

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 13–1–1

| Rick Story

| Decision (split)

| UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Story

| {{dts|2014|October|4}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Stockholm, Sweden

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–0–1

| Zak Cummings

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandão

| {{dts|2014|July|19}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:48

| Dublin, Ireland

| {{Small|Performance of the Night.}}

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–0–1

| Omari Akhmedov

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa

| {{dts|2014|March|8}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:36

| London, England

| {{Small|Performance of the Night.}}

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–0–1

| Jorge Santiago

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald

| {{dts|2013|February|16}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| London, England

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| {{nowrap|10–0–1}}

| DaMarques Johnson

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC on Fuel TV: Struve vs. Miocic

| {{dts|2012|September|29}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:34

| Nottingham, England

| {{Small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Johnson missed weight (183 lb).}}

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–0–1

| Alexander Butenko

| Submission (armbar)

| Cage Contender XII

| {{dts|2012|February|25}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:21

| Dublin, Ireland

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–0–1

| Eugene Fadiora

| Submission (neck crank)

| BAMMA 4

| {{dts|2010|September|25}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:51

| Birmingham, England

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–0–1

| Danny Mitchell

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Cage Contender VI

| {{dts|2010|August|28}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:51

| Manchester, England

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–0–1

| Sam Elsdon

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| BAMMA 2

| {{dts|2010|February|13}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:30

| London, England

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0–1

| Iran Mascarenhas

| KO (punch)

| Adrenaline 3: Evolution

| {{dts|2008|September|6}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:22

| Copenhagen, Denmark

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0–1

| Barry Mairs

| TKO (punches)

| Angrrr Management 14: Ready for War

| {{dts|2007|December|9}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:38

| London, England

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0–1

| Niek Tromp

| TKO (punches)

| Cage of Truth 1: Battle on the Bay

| {{dts|2007|November|24}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:50

| Dublin, Ireland

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0–1

| Adam Slawinski

| TKO (punches)

| Ultimate Fighting Revolution 10

| {{dts|2007|October|6}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:30

| Galway, Ireland

| {{Yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0–1

| Driss El Bakara

| Submission (armbar)

| Cage Rage Contenders: Dynamite

| {{dts|2007|September|29}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:46

| Dublin, Ireland

| {{Draw}}Draw

| align=center| 0–0–1

| John Olesen

| Draw (split)

| Adrenaline Sports tournament

| {{dts|2007|May|5}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Copenhagen, Denmark

{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Gunnar-Nelson-25246 |title=Gunnar "Gunni" Nelson MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography |website=Sherdog.com |date=1988-07-28 |access-date=2016-02-24}}

Grappling record

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:80%; text-align:left;"

| colspan=8 style="text-align:center;" | 14 Matches, 8 Wins (4 Submissions), 6 Losses (1 Submission)

! Result

! style="text-align:center;"| Rec.

! Opponent

! Method

! Event

! Division

! Date

! Location

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|8-6|| {{flagicon|BRA}} Alexandre Ribeiro|| Points || rowspan=4|ADCC World Championship || rowspan=2|Absolute|| rowspan=2|{{dts|2011|September|25}} || rowspan=4|{{flagicon|GBR}} Nottingham

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|8-5|| {{flagicon|BRA}} Bruno Frazzato|| Points

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|7-5|| {{flagicon|BRA}} André Galvão|| Points ||rowspan=2|-88 kg||rowspan=2 |{{dts|2011|September|24}}

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|7-4|| {{flagicon|FIN}} Marko Helen|| Points

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|6-4|| {{flagicon|ISL}} Bjarni Kristjánsson || Submission (guillotine choke)||rowspan=2| Mjolnir Open ||rowspan=2|Absolute|| rowspan=2|{{dts|2011|September|3}} ||rowspan=2|{{flagicon|ISL}} Reykjavík

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|5-4|| {{flagicon|ISL}} Brynjólfur Ingvarsson || Submission (armbar)

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|4-4|| {{flagicon|GBR}} Mike Russell|| Submission (rear naked choke) || Health & Fitness Expo ||Superfight|| {{dts|2010|November|20}} ||{{flagicon|ISL}} Reykjavík

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|3-4|| {{flagicon|USA}} Azunna Anyanwu|| Points|| rowspan=2|Grapplers Quest: Beast of the East || rowspan=2|Absolute|| rowspan=2|{{dts|2010|March|20}} || rowspan=2|{{flagicon|USA}} Caldwell, NJ

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|3-3|| {{flagicon|USA}} Ronnie Mikvenski|| Points

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|2-3|| {{flagicon|BRA}} Vinny Magalhães|| Points || rowspan=5|ADCC World Championship || rowspan=4|Absolute|| rowspan=4|{{dts|2009|September|27}} || rowspan=5|{{flagicon|ESP}} Barcelona

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|2-2|| {{flagicon|BRA}} Alexandre Ribeiro|| Submission (kneebar)

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|2-1|| {{flagicon|USA}} David Avellan|| Submission (rear naked choke)

|{{yes2}}Win||style="text-align:center;"|1-1|| {{flagicon|USA}} Jeff Monson|| Points

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|0-1|| {{flagicon|USA}} James Brasco|| Referee Decision ||-88 kg||{{dts|2009|September|26}}