Coach: Daniel Cormier came to play chess, Roy Nelson came to play checkers at UFC 166

In the co-main event of UFC 166, former Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix champion Daniel Cormier made his second appearance in the Octagon against TUF 10 winner Roy Nelson. From the outset, Cormier completely outclassed Nelson. He dominated the 15 minute bout in every facet of the game to earn the unanimous decision victory.

Despite being on the receiving end of the drubbing, Nelson criticized DC's performance in his post-fight interview, accusing his opponent of refusing to engage. On Monday's episode of The MMA Hour, Cormier's coach Javier Mendez responded to Nelson's claims:

I don't know what fight he was at," Mendez scoffed. "When you get tattooed the way [Nelson] was, I mean, you shouldn't be complaining about ‘the guy didn't come to fight you.' He outhit you, he outstruck you, he outwrestled you, he outsmarted you. You didn't come to fight. He came to play checkers when [Cormier] came to play chess.

Despite UFC commentator Joe Rogan repeatedly referencing a hypothetical move to Light Heavyweight for Nelson, that's not going to happen any time soon with him weighing in at 244 lbs. for Saturday's fight. He will get a step down in competition in his next bout and another chance to show off his beloved overhand right.

As for Cormier, he confirmed in his own post-fight interview that he still intends make the drop to the 205 lb. division. Over the last couple years he's been really trying to push a rivalry with champion Jon Jones, but an immediate title shot seems unlikely. Jones is currently slated to fight Glover Teixeira in spring 2014 and a rematch with Alexander Gustafsson has to be on the UFC's "To Do" list. So Cormier will more than likely get a top Light Heavy first.