Nelson clobbers Silva for 2nd-round KO

Roy Nelson's right hand put an unceremonious end to Antonio Silva's homecoming.

"Big Country" followed a knockdown of Silva with a series of punches for the second-round finish at Saturday's UFC Fight Night 95 in Brasilia. Nelson closed the distance to land leather right on the button and send the towering "Bigfoot" crashing to the canvas for his second win in three fights.

Silva remained elusive in the opening frame, opting to stay within kicking range and avoid Nelson's patented overhand right. He wouldn't elude Nelson's granite hands for long though, as "Big Country" came out hurling his fists in Round 2, and true to his track record, needed but one to meet Silva's chin to seal his fate. The knockout ties the 40-year-old for third in UFC heavyweight history with eight.

Nelson had a bone to pick with referee John McCarthy, who stopped the fight a tad late for the heavyweight's liking. "Big Country" delayed his celebration to raise his foot to McCarthy's behind in protest, explaining post-fight he did not want to inflict any damage he deemed unnecessary.

Presumably fighting for his job after dropping four of five, "Bigfoot" soundly executed his gameplan through Round 1, keeping out of Nelson's range and scoring points primarily with kicks. But as was the case in eight of his previous nine defeats, his chin would fail him. Silva was rumored to have implored the UFC to keep him on the roster before Saturday's fight, but his lackluster homecoming could mark his last trip to the Octagon.

Silva has now lost three straight, and is winless in two fights in his native Brasilia. His UFC record falls to 3-7.