UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson
| Company type | Sporting event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mixed martial arts |
| Founded | September 27, 2015 |
| Headquarters | Saitama , Japan |
Area served | International |
| Products | Mixed martial arts bouts |
UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson (also known as UFC Fight Night 75) was held on September 27, 2015, at the Saitama Super Arena located in Saitama, Japan.
Background
This event represented the UFC's fourth appearance in Saitama, following previous shows including UFC 144 in 2012, UFC on Fuel TV: Silva vs. Stann in 2013, and UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Nelson in 2014.
The headline bout featured a heavyweight clash between former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 10. Notably, both fighters had served as opposing coaches on the reality program Road to UFC: Japan. Additionally, the card highlighted the featherweight final of this series, which concluded with a split draw—a unique outcome for the show's finale bouts—leading to both competitors receiving lucrative six-figure contracts with the UFC.
Several adjustments to the fight card occurred prior to the event. Roan Carneiro withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Uriah Hall, who faced Gegard Mousasi. Similarly, Kiichi Kunimoto pulled out because of injury and was substituted by veteran Keita Nakamura, who fought Li Jingliang. Furthermore, a scheduled matchup between Matt Hobar and Norifumi Yamamoto was canceled after both athletes suffered injuries.
Bonus awards
Monetary bonuses of $50,000 were granted as follows:
- Performance of the Night: Josh Barnett, Uriah Hall, Diego Brandao, and Keita Nakamura
- No award was given for Fight of the Night