Dropping down to the UFC’s welterweight division was an easy decision for Nate ‘The Great’ Marquardt (31-10-2), especially after his last victory in March at UFC 128, a unanimous decision win over Dan Miller.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday during a conference call for the upcoming UFC on Versus 4 (aka UFC Live: Marquardt vs. Story event, Marquardt talked about his decision to drop down to 170 lbs after a 10-4 run in the UFC’s middleweight division.
Despite a middleweight title bout defeat to Anderson Silva, and two 185 lb title eliminator losses, ‘The Great’ spoke about feeling “the best I’d felt in years” against Miller after dropping some weight for the fight. So the move to 170 lbs will be a permanent one for Marquardt who meets Rick Story on June 26 in Pittsburgh.
“For me it was about how I felt for my last fight. For my last fight I was very light, and I felt the best I’d felt in years.
“It [170 pounds] is more of a natural weight for me. My body operates best with less weight on. It’s about performance, and I feel I will perform better at a lighter weight — regardless if I’m fighting at 185 or 170.”
“I guess [a win] would put me at the top. Rick is as very tough guy. He just beat [Thiago] Alves who is a former world title contender. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
HT: ESPN.com for the quote