Feb 21, 2012 - Nate Marquardt's professional purgatory is over. One of the MMA world's top free agents, the veteran has been signed by Zuffa, but in a surprise move, inked to the UFC's sister promotion Strikeforce.
The signing, confirmed by Zuffa's Dana White, was reported on Tuesday's edition of FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight."
Marquardt, a perennial top 10 middleweight during a six-year run in the UFC, is expected to compete as a welterweight in Strikeforce.
The 32-year-old hasn't fought since last March, when he earned a unanimous decision victory over Dan Miller at UFC 128.
One of the more bizarre episodes in UFC history led to his release. In June 2011, Marquardt seemed set to make his welterweight debut in a match against Rick Story, but on the day of weigh-ins, he was denied a fighter's license by the Pennsylvania state athletic commission after failing to satisfy the requirements for a therapeutic use exemption for hormone replacement therapy.
He was immediately cut from the organization by White.
Just about one month later, Marquardt signed with UK promotion BAMMA, making him the highest-profile fighter in the organization's short history. As it turns out, he never actually fought in their cage.
After Marquardt's BAMMA debut was delayed twice by the promotion, the two sides parted ways in January, allowing Marquardt to explore other opportunities.
While UFC president Dana White said in the aftermath of the Marquardt firing that Marquardt would never fight for the UFC again, he never closed the door on a possible Strikeforce signing.
Just last month, White seemed to acknowledge that he was open to a Marquardt return, saying "I don't dislike Nate. I like Nate very much. We'll see what happens."
What happened is a return into the Zuffa family, where Marquardt will be a welcome addition to a division that is clearly lacking in veteran star power. Aside from Tyron Woodley, top fighters in the division include Tarec Saffiedine, Jordan Mein and Jason High.
26 comments
Comments
I hope Nate smashes Woodley
Woodley can be painfull to watch
by Immortal_JL on Feb 21, 2012 10:20 PM EST reply actions
That's assuming that he still wants to cut to WW
If he stays at MW, I see an immediate title shot in his future.
Aside from that, yeah.. Woodley is an absolute chore to watch. The most boring fighter I have ever seen in my life.
"Alistair Overeem is a Dutch kickboxer who looks like someone at Marvel comics drew a man genetically engineered to fuck your girlfriend."
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - quotes by Seanbaby
by superfknmario__ on Feb 22, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
I really put my foot in my mouth on this one
I coulda sworn Dana was gonna resign him to the UFC
by Bigs- on Feb 21, 2012 10:23 PM EST reply actions
Nate vs woodley
yesterday. Also, Tarec Saffadeine is a beast and definitely one to watch
by TheStockyStrangler on Feb 21, 2012 10:24 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Minor Leagues
Can the UFC stop pretending and call Strikeforce the Minor League of the UFC. I wouldn’t even mind it honestly. I watch other promotions; just make it the minors. Guys fight harder when they know that the UFC is the ultimate destination.
by fritzo on Feb 21, 2012 10:28 PM EST reply actions
Minor Leagues fail on the marketing front. Pretending works much better in selling the new Showtime deal. But the fans know the deal anyway.
by rearnakedchickenchoke on Feb 21, 2012 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
you’re right. how bout re-branding. Cal it UFC: Strikeforce! (with the exclamation) … like its a whole new series of events, separate from the usual UFC (place # here).
by fritzo on Feb 21, 2012 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
It still wouldn't fool anybody
Except maybe the people that tune in to Spike TV instead of the live events..
"Alistair Overeem is a Dutch kickboxer who looks like someone at Marvel comics drew a man genetically engineered to fuck your girlfriend."
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - quotes by Seanbaby
by superfknmario__ on Feb 22, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
+1
on the assholes that watch spikes counter programming
by Carwin_Army on Feb 22, 2012 9:30 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Wrong place....
Nate belongs in the UFC…. Bleh
by miles1242 on Feb 21, 2012 10:58 PM EST reply actions
Zuffa & the UFC....
….They mean business when they say “No steroids allowed!”
That’s why they’re letting juicer Dan Henderson run away from multiple fights to wait on a title shot, why juicer Chael Sonnen is being given a title shot, why Nate Marquardt’s “cut” lasted as long as a break between fights.
With juiced up freaks like these, UFC = WWE.
by ComicsPlus on Feb 21, 2012 11:09 PM EST reply actions
Really?
Somehow I think that the fact that the winners aren’t predetermined in the UFC automatically separates it from the WWE.
Every major sport has steroid problems. Guys test positive all the time, they take their punishment and move on. Off the top of my head Brian Cushing and Shawne Merriman, both NFL linebackers have tested positive in the past and have played in the league since. Steroids are, and will be a constant problem in the realm of physical competition. The pressure of competition will always lead people to try and find an advantage, no matter the potential punishment or negative affects on their career.
MMA, just like Football, Baseball, Cycling, Running, and basically every sport or physical contest in the world has a performance enhancing drug problem. Measures are being taken, but I think we can all agree that more needs to be done to truly curb their rampant use. That being said, we can see the UFC, the NFL, and every sports organization’s dilemma. When an individual who is talented and popular tests positive, obviously a punishment is necessary to maintain the appearance of athletic integrity. But that has to be balanced with the best interests of the organization. A 6 month, or 1 year suspension allows the organization to punish the fighter, and then continue to make money off of their fights once their time is served. A win-win.
Not to mention, a positive test for any banned substance does’t seem to have too much of a negative affect on anyone’s popularity. If the fans don’t care, and they still want to see the competitor compete despite the drugs, why should the organization care?
"The thing with kids and growings and getting learnings and stuff is that... You can't lie to them. Basically, if you wanna tell the children they can't do something they're gonna want to do it more. When I was young I did all kinds of crazy shit and I turned out wicked. That's because my dad was fuckin' cool, he let me do shit. I was allowed to drive his car around the park, basically took my dirt bike to school, let me grow dope in his shed in grade 7. You know, that's what good parenting is all about. You gotta let them have a bit of freedom."
by B Dane on Feb 21, 2012 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
well said
but the other sports leagues don’t give guys a free pass because of a silly doctor’s note. At least that I’m aware of
"Alistair Overeem is a Dutch kickboxer who looks like someone at Marvel comics drew a man genetically engineered to fuck your girlfriend."
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - quotes by Seanbaby
by superfknmario__ on Feb 22, 2012 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
100 % of comsluts remarks are bunk
by jobrijim3 on Feb 22, 2012 5:57 AM EST up reply actions
makes sense
i kind of saw this coming….
by BmoreGoHarder on Feb 21, 2012 11:09 PM EST reply actions
Hey, you never can have too many guys on TRT in your stable…
by The J on Feb 21, 2012 11:11 PM EST reply actions
Future Champion
I think he will be the new champion, he can beat Daley or Woodley easily in my opinion.
by MarcoAA10 on Feb 22, 2012 12:05 AM EST reply actions
He should fight Jacare...
Win or lose, it won’t hurt him at WW , IMO. He hasn’t fought in a year and if he does lose as a MW, he will still have the benefit of moving down a weight class for his next fight.
If he wins at MW, he gets an automatic title shot against Woodley for WW title, he if he loses, he gets a number 1 contender fight.
by steven1crocker on Feb 22, 2012 12:42 AM EST reply actions
If he wins at MW, why not just give him a title shot at MW?
"Alistair Overeem is a Dutch kickboxer who looks like someone at Marvel comics drew a man genetically engineered to fuck your girlfriend."
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - quotes by Seanbaby
by superfknmario__ on Feb 22, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
That would work...
My point is that if he is keen on moving down to WW, this 1 bout at MW wouldn’t hurt. If he won and decided to stay at MW, that would also be fine.
by steven1crocker on Feb 22, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Great for Nate
Some people are viewing this as a step back for Nate Marquardt but I really think it’s a better place for him than the UFC right now. This will give Nate a great opportunity to win a Zuffa belt, and a much faster route than the UFC would be. We all know that eventually all the great male fighters in Strikeforce will end up in the UFC. Strikeforce champions will be highly touted coming into the UFC whether that’s warranted or not. If Nate wins the Strikeforce welterweight title “which he’s got a great shot at doing” he will set himself up for a UFC title unification in the future.
by CRWHITLOCK on Feb 22, 2012 12:58 AM EST reply actions
I agree...
He enters Strikeforce with an immediate WW title shot or a number 1 contender slot… in the UFC he would be at least a year away from either (if he did well).
Regardless of the competition, winning a belt looks good on the resume and if he wins Strikeforce gold, it will just help hype future UFC fights (assuming Strikeforce is in its final year).
I really do think that this is not just ‘okay,’ I think this is actually better for Nate than going directly into the UFC.
by steven1crocker on Feb 22, 2012 1:07 AM EST up reply actions
do strikeforce fighter really want to face ufc fighters....
i knew he would be back he is to good to let go forever…and now the strikeforce guys get what they wanted a ufc fighter…i just do not know if they really want to fight ufc guys……
by theredeyejedi on Feb 22, 2012 3:11 AM EST reply actions
Yeah, Overeem wanted no part of a "UFC fighter"!
oh wait..
"Alistair Overeem is a Dutch kickboxer who looks like someone at Marvel comics drew a man genetically engineered to fuck your girlfriend."
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - quotes by Seanbaby
by superfknmario__ on Feb 22, 2012 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
Mr. Mike Chiappetta,
“failing to satisfy the requirements for a therapeutic use exemption for hormone replacement therapy.”?
Now that’s some politically correct bullshit if I ever heard it. He was busted on a drug test for steroids or other performance enhancing drug! Say it like it is.
by bigyoda20 on Feb 22, 2012 7:27 AM EST reply actions
He has a prescription for TRT
It’s BS as we all know, but the sentence is actually spot on. He’s given a certain limit based on his prescription and he exceeded those limits.
"Alistair Overeem is a Dutch kickboxer who looks like someone at Marvel comics drew a man genetically engineered to fuck your girlfriend."
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - quotes by Seanbaby
by superfknmario__ on Feb 22, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
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