Filed under: Fighting, UFC, News
With just over 24 hours to go from the start of UFC on Versus 4, Nate Marquardt has been forced to withdraw from his main event matchup, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Fighting.
The bout was to be Marquardt’s UFC debut at welterweight after 14 starts and a 10-4 record in the promotion’s middleweight division. A source with knowledge of the situation said Marquardt believed he would have made weight, but that he did not receive medical clearance from the Pennsylvania state athletic commission. A specific reason for that was not immediately clear, though a Marquardt representative said they may release more information later.
News of Marquardt’s withdrawal was first reported by MMAJunkie.com.
As a result of the surprising development, the night’s scheduled co-main event, Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo, has been moved into the headliner spot.
At least Marquardt’s scheduled opponent Rick Story will have a new matchup. Charlie Brenneman, who had his own bout canceled earlier this week after his foe scratched, will step in and face Story.
UFC on Versus 4 takes place at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh.