“Big Country” Roy Nelson (13-2) is prepared to square off against former UFC heavyweight champion, Andre Arlovski (13-5) at EliteXC “Heat” Oct. 4 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. Nelson, the last International Fight League heavyweight champion, was originally set to face Paul Buentello (26-10) in Las Vegas until the owners of Affliction decided to postpone the event. Arlovski’s match against Josh Barnett (23-5) also fell by the wayside due to the postponement, however Tom Atencio and Affliction ownership were able to put together the Nelson vs. Arlovski bout in a last minute co-promotion effort with EliteXC. The event will air live on CBS.

Nelson will be the first to tell you that he does not fit the mold of what most consider a physically “ideal” MMA fighter. His opponents will also be the first to tell you that it is not wise to judge a book by its cover. A grappler at heart, the 32 year-old Nelson made his mark in the IFL by using an impressive array of stand up skills. He earned a 6-1 IFL record, which included a second-round KO over Antoine Jaoude to get the coveted heavyweight title. Nelson also finished his last four opponents via KO or TKO.

“I have a little bit better jitz game. People think I’m just a slugger,” said Nelson.

Not accustomed to losing, Nelson’s only IFL loss came to Ben Rothwell (29-6) in a split decision victory in 2007. With that disappointing loss forever etched into his psyche, it is Nelson’s turn to throw his hat into the ring of names among the top heavyweight fighters in the world.

“If you’re willing to go where the best is, then you need to be willing to go in there with the best,” said Nelson about Arlovski.

“That’s why I got in this game; to fight the best in the world.”

With a win over Arlovski, Nelson may find himself with an opportunity to face the best in the world. Rumors are circulating that the winner of this match will be in line for a shot at the epitome of greatness, Fedor Emelianenko (28-1), although nothing has been officially confirmed.

“I’m waiting until Saturday. Then I can make a more educated guess on who is next,” Nelson commented.

Arlovski meanwhile, has been on a recent tear since his departure from the UFC in 2007. Arlovski’s future was uncertain after he suffered back-to-back losses to former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Silvia in 2007 and was unable to settle with the terms of a future UFC contract. The Russian gathered his composure however, and has peeled off four consecutive wins including a third-round TKO victory over Rothwell during Affliction’s debut event “Banned” earlier this summer.