Tag: Nate Marquardt

UFC Live 4: 6 Reasons Why the Event Is Still Worth Watching

Bleacher Report’s Matthew Saccaro:

UFC Live 4: Pat Barry Discusses Cheick Kongo Ahead of UFC on Versus 4

Bleacher Report’s Mike Hodges:

UFC heavyweight Pat Barry has been quite a charismatic person outside of the UFC, however, he has remained focused ahead of his bout with French kickboxer, Cheick Kongo at UFC on Versus 4.

Barry, who will be in the co-main event against Kongo, has put his time in during his training camp and has prepared for his opponent as the Frenchman will serve as one of the biggest tests of his career.

While speaking with Heavy.com, Barry expects to see Kongo use a different strategy than before.

“He’s supposedly feeling 100 percent better now and he’s back to his old ways. But, now he’s standing across from me, and Cheick Kongo being the striker that he is, I guarantee you, will turn into a wrestler as soon as I throw punch either passed his head or I make contact,” Barry said. 

Kongo is coming off a back surgery that Barry believes will hinder the Frenchman’s chances of a win on Sunday.

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UFC on Versus 4: Rick Story and Some of the Best Wrestlers in MMA

Bleacher Report’s John Heinis:

UFC Live Preview: Is Dana White Spoon-Feeding TUF Alum Matt Mitrione?

Bleacher Report’s Dean Stone:

Over the years we’ve seen a select few UFC fighters spoon-fed competition that wasn’t exactly up to their skill levels.

Michael Bisping and Kim Dong-Hyun immediately come to mind.

Don’t get me wrong, the UFC is head and shoulders above boxing when it comes to promoting competitive fights. And when a fighter is helping to grow the sport in another part of the world, it’s in the best interest of all involved that they continue to win.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, UFC fans in different countries get new heroes to cheer for and young future fighters get someone to aspire to.

But there have been a few cases of spoon-feeding in the UFC that has nothing to do with developing the sport globally. Some Ultimate Fighter contestants have had an easy go of it as well.

Diego Sanchez’ first five fights after winning TUF 1 (until Josh Koscheck publicly called him out) immediately comes to mind.

Now it looks like the latest Ultimate Fighter alum to be getting soft opposition just might be Matt Mitrione.

Mitrione will be stepping into the Octagon for the fifth time at UFC On Versus 4 this Sunday night, and once again he’s fighting a sub-par opponent.

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UFC Live 4: Dana White Fires Nate Marquardt After Failing Medicals

Bleacher Report’s Matt Juul:

In a stunning turn of events, UFC president Dana White announced via a short video posted on his Twitter account that Nate Marquardt will no longer fight for the UFC.

“It’s true. He failed his medicals. Not only is he out of this fight, out of the main event on Versus, he will no longer be with the UFC,” White said.

Earlier today, Marquardt was pulled from the main event of Sunday’s planned bout with Rick Story due to yet to be known reasons that led to him not being medically cleared.

The bout, originally against Anthony Johnson who was forced to withdraw from the fight, was going to be Marquardt’s debut at welterweight.

Charlie Brenneman will now face Rick Story instead while the Pat Barry versus Cheick Kongo fight will be promoted to the main event.

Marquardt has yet to speak on the failed medical clearance or being released.

Click here to see the video