Nate Marquardt Makes His Debut In The Welterweight Division Next Week During UFC Live: Marquardt vs. Story
The UFC welterweight division has been ruled by one man since 2008. George St. Pierre hasn’t lost since UFC 74 and regained his title during UFC 83. It appears that the class is set and no one will beat George St. Pierre. But, is that really true? GSP might be the bets pound-for-pound fighter in the land, but the event on Sunday might raise a few eyebrows, including St. Pierre’s.
Rick Story has stepped up, in place of Anthony Johnson, and will face Nate Marquardt. Story lost his UFC debut in UFC 99 against John Hathaway. Since that fight he has won six straight fights over some great fighters such as: Dustin Hazelett, Johny Hendrix, and Thiago Alves. Story has been a nightmare to face, which is fitting because his nickname is “The Horror”. Get it? Story isn’t far from the division’s top five.
The card really gets interesting because Nate Marquardt will have his first fight weighing in at 171 lbs. or less. If his body can handle the weight cut, and he fights at full capacity, he will be a terror in the division. He would be an unbelievably strong welterweight. I personally think that if he beats Story, he is one fight away from GSP. St. Pierre is amazing, but even he may have problems with Marquardt.
Marquardt has a high quality stand up game and GSP wouldn’t dominate him on the feet like he did Josh Koscheck. While St. Pierre has beaten bigger opponents, like Thiago Alves, all those fighters had major weaknesses. Marquardt’s weakness is facing a very good wrestler. Yushin Okami and Chael Sonnen have proven that. Wrestling is one of St. Pierre’s many strengths. But, would the size advantage for marquardt help him against GSP?
I will not be the one to say GSP will lose to Marquardt, I am just pointing out the dynamics that make it a fantastic title fight for both individuals.
However, Marquardt needs to keep his eyes on the task at hand. Rick Story is not going to make it easy for him. Story is looking to write a tale of his own, and if Nate The Great isn’t careful, he will find himself in a scary situation.
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