John Kavanagh: Gunnar Nelson looking for a fight, targets late March return to UFC

ABU DHABI – According to John Kavanagh, Gunnar Nelson likely will return in the first quarter of 2021.

It’s been more than a year since Nelson (17-5-1 MMA, 8-5 UFC) was last seen in the octagon. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns in September 2019.

But speaking to reporters at the UFC 257 pre-fight news conference, Kavanagh provided an update on Nelson, claiming the 32-year-old Icelandic welterweight is eager to make his return.

“(He’s) actively looking for a fight now,” Kavanagh said. “So I was only chatting to Halli (Nelson), father/manager today. He goes, ‘Make sure to tell the guys we’re looking for a fight.’ So world, Gunnar Nelson: Let’s get him a fight. His gym literally just reopened last week. Iceland did a very severe lockdown and he wasn’t able to train martial arts. He was still doing lifting. He’s jacked now. He’s huge.

“Late March, I think we’re looking at (Johnny) Walker (on) March 27. But it would be great to get Gunnar Nelson on that card, too.”

After a 4-0 start to his UFC tenure, Nelson has had mixed results in the octagon. He is currently enduring his roughest stretch, having lost consecutive bouts for the first time in his career.