Tag: Dana White

UFC on Versus 4: Marquardt’s Out, so How Does This Affect Welterweight Division

There is no doubt that Georges St-Pierre has dominated the welterweight division the past three years. Some would even argue that he has cleaned out the division and want him to move up to middleweight in order to challenge Anderson Silva. Others argue…

There is no doubt that Georges St-Pierre has dominated the welterweight division the past three years.

Some would even argue that he has cleaned out the division and want him to move up to middleweight in order to challenge Anderson Silva. Others argue that it is impossible to clean out a division when there is a constant influx of new talent.

St-Pierre has defended his belt six times since he regained the title from Matt Serra. All of those wins have been decisive, leaving little fan interest in a rematch with any of those opponents. He has avenged the only two losses of his career. He has even “avenged” the only split decision of his career.

St-Pierre has a dangerous matchup with Nick Diaz this October. If Diaz wins, there is a plethora of established names that he could take on.  If St-Pierre wins, who would be next in line for a title shot? St-Pierre will have beaten all the established names in the division.

Fortunately for the UFC, there is a wave of exciting, new talent in the welterweight division. Anthony Johnson, Rick Story, Brian Foster, Johnny Hendricks, John Hathaway and Jake Ellenberger are the future at 170 lbs. However, it is debatable whether any of them are ready for a title shot and their names do not resonate with the casual MMA fan.

Joe Silva originally matched up Anthony Johnson against Nate Marquardt for UFC on Versus 4. Back-to-back wins over former No. 1 contenders at 170 and 185 lbs. could have served as the springboard for Johnson to challenge St-Pierre. If Marquardt won and looked comfortable at 170 lbs, then his resume at middleweight could easily generate enough interest to warrant a title shot.

However, Johnson had to pull out with an injury. Rick Story didn’t hesitate to take his spot despite the fact that he fought as recently as Memorial Day weekend. If Story won, then he would have two wins over former No. 1 contenders just as Johnson would have. But now, Marquardt is out of the fight, and it appears that he is out of the UFC as well.

Charlie Brenneman has stepped up to face Story, but a fight that had title implications in its first two incarnations now has none in its third. No matter what the outcome of Sunday’s fight, Joe Silva will lack a compelling challenger for St-Pierre. He will have to set up a fight for the No. 1 contender spot sometime this fall.

He has three options for this fight. He can match up two former contenders such as Fitch and Penn, he can match up two newcomers such as Story and Johnson or he could match up a veteran and a newcomer.  The ideal scenario for the UFC would be Johnson or Story getting the win against a veteran, but the fight game is anything but predictable. The UFC will have to balance the risk of matching GSP up against an established welterweight that he has already beaten decisively or against a dangerous opponent that has little name recognition.

When you consider the quagmire that Marquardt’s withdrawal puts the UFC in, it is understandable why Dana White is so upset. The UFC needs a bridge between its most marketable star and a slew of extremely talented welterweights who may not be quite ready to take on the champion. Nate Marquardt was supposed to be that bridge, and without him, the UFC will have to take a big risk this fall—one way or the other.      

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UFC on Versus 4: Marquardt’s Out, so How Does This Affect Welterweight Division

There is no doubt that Georges St-Pierre has dominated the welterweight division the past three years. Some would even argue that he has cleaned out the division and want him to move up to middleweight in order to challenge Anderson Silva. Others argue…

There is no doubt that Georges St-Pierre has dominated the welterweight division the past three years.

Some would even argue that he has cleaned out the division and want him to move up to middleweight in order to challenge Anderson Silva. Others argue that it is impossible to clean out a division when there is a constant influx of new talent.

St-Pierre has defended his belt six times since he regained the title from Matt Serra. All of those wins have been decisive, leaving little fan interest in a rematch with any of those opponents. He has avenged the only two losses of his career. He has even “avenged” the only split decision of his career.

St-Pierre has a dangerous matchup with Nick Diaz this October. If Diaz wins, there is a plethora of established names that he could take on.  If St-Pierre wins, who would be next in line for a title shot? St-Pierre will have beaten all the established names in the division.

Fortunately for the UFC, there is a wave of exciting, new talent in the welterweight division. Anthony Johnson, Rick Story, Brian Foster, Johnny Hendricks, John Hathaway and Jake Ellenberger are the future at 170 lbs. However, it is debatable whether any of them are ready for a title shot and their names do not resonate with the casual MMA fan.

Joe Silva originally matched up Anthony Johnson against Nate Marquardt for UFC on Versus 4. Back-to-back wins over former No. 1 contenders at 170 and 185 lbs. could have served as the springboard for Johnson to challenge St-Pierre. If Marquardt won and looked comfortable at 170 lbs, then his resume at middleweight could easily generate enough interest to warrant a title shot.

However, Johnson had to pull out with an injury. Rick Story didn’t hesitate to take his spot despite the fact that he fought as recently as Memorial Day weekend. If Story won, then he would have two wins over former No. 1 contenders just as Johnson would have. But now, Marquardt is out of the fight, and it appears that he is out of the UFC as well.

Charlie Brenneman has stepped up to face Story, but a fight that had title implications in its first two incarnations now has none in its third. No matter what the outcome of Sunday’s fight, Joe Silva will lack a compelling challenger for St-Pierre. He will have to set up a fight for the No. 1 contender spot sometime this fall.

He has three options for this fight. He can match up two former contenders such as Fitch and Penn, he can match up two newcomers such as Story and Johnson or he could match up a veteran and a newcomer.  The ideal scenario for the UFC would be Johnson or Story getting the win against a veteran, but the fight game is anything but predictable. The UFC will have to balance the risk of matching GSP up against an established welterweight that he has already beaten decisively or against a dangerous opponent that has little name recognition.

When you consider the quagmire that Marquardt’s withdrawal puts the UFC in, it is understandable why Dana White is so upset. The UFC needs a bridge between its most marketable star and a slew of extremely talented welterweights who may not be quite ready to take on the champion. Nate Marquardt was supposed to be that bridge, and without him, the UFC will have to take a big risk this fall—one way or the other.      

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UFC Live 4: Who Is Nate Marquardt and What Does His Future Hold?

UFC President Dana White’s statement today regarding Nate “The Great” Marquardt has directly impacted not only the UFC Live 4 promotion being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tomorrow evening, but Marquardt’s sudden walking papers from the world’s larg…

UFC President Dana White‘s statement today regarding Nate “The Great” Marquardt has directly impacted not only the UFC Live 4 promotion being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tomorrow evening, but Marquardt’s sudden walking papers from the world’s largest MMA promotion has created an instant buzz within the ultimate fighting community.

According to Bloodyelbow.com, White issued a statement saying that Nate Marquardt is not only removed from the main event in tomorrow night’s promotion, but he is no longer a member of the UFC.

Swift and decisive action was taken by UFC matchmaker Joe Silva in replacing Marquardt with Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman to face Rick “The Horror” Story in the main event.

Reverberations were voiced by various active UFC fighters. Taking to Twitter, UFC middleweight fighter Brian Stann commented, “I am so confused on the recent announcement concerning Nate Marquardt, one of the nicest guys I’ve met in MMA.”

Additionally, journalist Ariel Helwani has tweeted that an “exclusive statement from Marquardt and his camp” will be delivered during tomorrow’s pre-show at 8 pm EST.

Shrouded in questions, why Marquardt was released is not entirely known. Tomorrow’s announcement by “The Great” will clarify the rationale behind his exit from the UFC.

Until answers are provided, I can only report on the now. And the now pertains to who Nate Marquardt is as a mixed martial artist.

This three-time middleweight King of Pancrase champion is currently the No. 4 ranked best middleweight in the world by Sherdog.com.

With an overall MMA record of 31-10 with 15 submission victories and 10 knockout wins, Marquardt has challenged for the UFC middleweight crown at UFC 73 in 2007.

A very balanced and diverse fighter, Marquardt possesses excellent stand-up skills with solid counter striking, excellent power in both hands, and the ability to effectively implement leg kicks into his arsenal of offensive weapons.

Versed on the ground as a second degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Marquardt has locked up impressive tapout victories over BJJ wizard Jeremy Horn and an arm-breaking arm bar back in 2002 over Kazuo Misaki.

Additional victories over top-tier talent include wins against Martin Kampmann, Demian Maia and Dan Miller.

Deciding to compete within the UFC welterweight division, Marquardt’s debut at 170 pounds was scheduled to take place tomorrow evening against Rick Story at UFC Live 4.

A tremendous talent at 185 pounds, Marquardt’s future may include a run for the Bellator middleweight championship against the ferocious Cuban, Hector Lombard.

Rumors may also swirl if Marquardt decides to remain within the welterweight division and compete for BAMMA overseas.

If the BAMMA promotion is a possibility for “The Great,” a matchup against British star Paul Daley will be inevitable.

The future for Nate Marquardt is certainly unclear. What is clear, however, is that Marquardt is an extremely gifted mixed martial artist and will not remain a free agent very long.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for up-to-the-minute news and coverage regarding this explosive turn within the UFC welterweight division.

Additionally, I will be sitting cage-side at UFC Live 4 in Pittsburgh and will provide insight as to “The Great’s” release.

I welcome your comments.

Todd Seyler

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Follow me on Twitter @toddseyler

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UFC Live 4: Nate Marquardt Out: What Now for the Future of Rick Story

Breaking news just released that Nate Marquardt has been released by the UFC.According to UFC President Dana White, Marquardt not only failed his medicals, he (adding insult to injury), “is out of this fight, and out of the main event on Versus, (and) …

Breaking news just released that Nate Marquardt has been released by the UFC.

According to UFC President Dana White, Marquardt not only failed his medicals, he (adding insult to injury), “is out of this fight, and out of the main event on Versus, (and) he will no longer be with the UFC.”

It’s an extremely dire career ending consequence for Marquardt’s failure to make the 170-pound weight ceiling. More news will be released as to the exact details regarding the release of the former “King of Pancrase.”

As more information is released regarding Marquardt’s future as a mixed martial artist, the future of Rick Story is also affected by Dana White’s decision.

Rick “The Horror” Story has been riding a tremendous wave of momentum. With victories in six of his last seven fights, the expectation by Story’s camp with a victory over Marquardt would have been a future title shot against UFC welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre.

UFC 130 in May of 2011 introduced “The Horror” to the masses of fight fans as Story dominated the very popular and extremely talented Thiago Alves.

Utilizing his wrestling background, dirty boxing skills, and a solid chin, Story captured a unanimous decision victory over the one-time Brazilian championship title contender.

With Marquardt’s release, Story will now face Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman. 

Brenneman, a career 13-2 fighter, debuted in the UFC in 2010.

A solid fighter with an exceptional wrestling pedigree, “The Spaniard” is working diligently to balance out his skill-set inside the Octagon.

No disrespect to Charlie Brenneman, but a victory over “The Spaniard” does not carry the same leverage as a victory over Nate Marquardt. 

Additionally, the development of Rick Story’s overall fight game will not be on stage tomorrow evening.

The necessary talent to defeat the experience, skill-set, and overall talent of a Nate Marquardt may not be equally necessary to defeat a Charlie Brenneman.

In short, the skills portrayed by Story in his fight with Thiago Alves should defeat Brenneman.

His game plan will be similar to that during his victory over Alves. Successful takedowns, dirty boxing, and an aggressive pace should secure a victory for Story.

I commend Brenneman for accepting this fight on late notice. And I also commend Story for fulfilling his expectations for this main event matchup at UFC Live 4 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In the end, however, the inability of Nate Marquardt to make the necessary weight has not only cost “The Great” his career with the UFC, a victory by Story in tomorrow’s main event will not catapult “The Horror’s” career into the upper echelon of the UFC welterweight division.

I welcome your comments.

 

Follow me on Twitter @toddseyler

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UFC 134: Will an Anderson Silva Main Event Disappoint Again?

Anderson is the top pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world today in my opinion. In fact, I agree with the assessment of UFC President Dana White. I also think he is the best ever in the short history of this sport.These kinds of comparisons …

Anderson is the top pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world today in my opinion. In fact, I agree with the assessment of UFC President Dana White. I also think he is the best ever in the short history of this sport.

These kinds of comparisons are much harder to make in boxing which has a much longer history of great fighters. MMA is still very new and greatness stands out in stark contrast to its surrounding parts.

The one glaring sour spot in Anderson Silva‘s UFC tenure is his three bouts where he seemed to decide to joke and showboat instead of engaging or damaging his opponent.

In 2008, I met my cousin in Chicago for UFC 90. It was the first (and only) time the UFC has ever been to Illinois. I basically drove all that way to see Anderson Silva. It is not often that one can witness such brilliance in the fight game and I wasn’t going to miss it.

What I ended up getting was a great UFC debut from Junior dos Santos and a very uninspired performance from Silva in his bout. Silva showboated and mocked Cote for two rounds and then Cote suffered a knee injury ending the bout. Needless to say I was not very happy considering the $100 spent for a nosebleed seat.

The second Anderson Silva bout where he exhibited this strange behavior was against Thales Leites at UFC 97. In this bout Leites refused to engage for the most part and Silva finally got to the point where he just decided to mostly dance around and retain his belt and move on. Luckily, he rebounded with an amazing jab knockout of Forrest Griffin at UFC 101.

The third bout took place at the first ever UFC event in Abu Dhabi. In this match Silva hurt Demian Maia in both of the first two rounds but never moved in to finish. He spent the last three rounds being very arrogant and attempting to make the challenger look like a fool. Silva infuriated many of his fans and the UFC brass. It also marked the first time that I literally walked out of a restaurant before the end of a UFC fight.

So, will this main event be a repeat of the middleweight champion’s previous strange outings? I think there is very little chance of it being a bad fight. In the three bouts I mentioned above Silva seemed to have little respect for the men he was facing and it showed in the way that he acted like a modern day Muhammad Ali, dancing and belittling his opponents.

Not only do I think Silva knows that Yushin has earned his shot at the title and will take him seriously, but the fact that he was disqualified in their first bout five years ago will give him the motivation he needs to want to finish. Not only do I think he will finish this fight, I see him doing so in brutal fashion. His only worry is the wrestling of Okami which is quite good. However, Anderson showed against Chael Sonnen that he can finish off of his back even when he is in trouble.

So, will this main event be a good fight? I think it will be. It really is up to Anderson Silva to determine the outcome. Its his fight to win or lose.

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MMA: Will the UFC Continue to Prosper as Aging Stars Begin to Retire?

Most professional sports rise and fall with the success of their biggest stars. Mixed martial arts and the UFC will most likely continue with this trend.The boxing world had periods of growth followed by years of recession and is currently in the …

Most professional sports rise and fall with the success of their biggest stars. Mixed martial arts and the UFC will most likely continue with this trend.

The boxing world had periods of growth followed by years of recession and is currently in the biggest flux in the history of the sport. This is happening, especially in the heavyweight division, because there are no fighters that spark the interest of the general population. There are no more fighters like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman and Muhammad Ali to keep the audience coming back for more.

As the headlining MMA stars of today’s UFC begin to retire, will the UFC be able to progress at its current pace?

Unless multiple stars begin to rise and bring something new and exciting to the sport, look for ratings and overall interest to decrease.

Randy Couture, 48, and Royce Gracie, 44, have most likely seen their last moments in the ring. Both are UFC legends and hall of fame members who helped give the UFC national acclaim.

Chuck Liddell, 41, is one of the most recognizable power punching legends of the sport and recently retired in late December 2010.

UFC Hall of Fame member Matt Hughes will turn 38 in October, Rich Franklin and Tito Ortiz are both 36, Quinton Jackson and heavyweight legend Brock Lesnar are both 33. BJ Penn will turn 33 in December and Rashad Evans will turn 32 in September.

The most important fighter to the UFC that is nearing retirement is current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva, who is currently 36 years old.  

Where will the sport be without these names?

Most of these fighters only have a handful of fights left in the UFC, and as these superstars begin to fade away, Dana White and the rest of UFC need to promote the upcoming stars more than they ever have and hope they can gain as much popularity as the fighters of the past decade.

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