Tag: Nate Marquardt

Yushin Okami Eyes Marquardt as Part of the Road to Silva Rematch

Filed under: UFCYushin Okami is the last man to beat current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, so it would seem like a title bout pitting the two with Silva having a shot at revenge would seem a natural fit. Yet despite a strong run in the UFC,…

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Yushin OkamiYushin Okami is the last man to beat current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, so it would seem like a title bout pitting the two with Silva having a shot at revenge would seem a natural fit. Yet despite a strong run in the UFC, Okami has never been able to work his way into a position to challenge the champ.

Okami has essentially had two golden opportunities to get there in his UFC tenure. In the first, he lost to Rich Franklin at UFC 72. In the second, he dropped a decision to Chael Sonnen at UFC 104. The winners of both of those fights were propelled into a title match with Silva.

Now, Okami wants his turn.

Nate Marquardt Hopes for Second Crack Against Anderson Silva

Filed under: UFC, NewsThree years later, Nate Marquardt can pinpoint what went wrong when he fought Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 73. Considered one of the top middleweights in the world since then, Marquardt has never been able …

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Three years later, Nate Marquardt can pinpoint what went wrong when he fought Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 73. Considered one of the top middleweights in the world since then, Marquardt has never been able to work his way back into a rematch with “the Spider,” and avenge the loss, but that could possibly change should Marquardt defeat Yushin Okami at UFC 122 next weekend.

It’s a scenario Marquardt hopes to make a reality.

Nate Marquardt Doesn’t Care If You’re On Steroids

In a recent interview to the Las Vegas Sun, UFC Middleweight, Nate Marquardt expressed his feelings about steroid usage amongst opponents he may face in the Octagon.

My thinking is, it doesn’t matter if the guy I’m fighting is on steroids,” Marquardt said. “I don’t care about that. I should be able to beat him either […]

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In a recent interview to the Las Vegas Sun, UFC Middleweight, Nate Marquardt expressed his feelings about steroid usage amongst opponents he may face in the Octagon.

My thinking is, it doesn’t matter if the guy I’m fighting is on steroids,” Marquardt said. “I don’t care about that. I should be able to beat him either way. I feel like I can fight someone on steroids and still have them at a disadvantage. If you’re a true athlete, the best way is to be natural. Anything you get from steroids you’re trading off somewhere else, whether it’s your cardio or longevity in the sport. You need all those things.

Marquardt recently made MMA news headlines for defending Chael Sonnen’s postitive test for PED’s by saying he is owed the benefit of the doubt. Marquardt met Sonnen in the cage and lost via Unanimous Decision at UFC 109 earlier this year. The loss cost him the title-shot which went to Sonnen. Sonnen then popped positive after what many viewed as an impressive performance against UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva though Sonnen ultimately lost via triangle armbar. Nate Marquardt went on to earn a TKO victory over Rousimar Palhares and will now face Yushin Okami in a headlining event at UFC 122 in Oberhaussen, Germany this November 13th. The winner of this fight is expected to receive the next shot at the Middleweight title.

‘UFC 122: Marquardt vs. Okami’ — Extended Video Preview

(Props: fromhit)
UFC 122 may not be stacked — it’s Germany, those haters should be glad they’re getting anything — but it’ll be broadcast free on Spike, it’s full of potentially exciting matchups, and it’ll have serious implications f…

(Props: fromhit)

UFC 122 may not be stacked — it’s Germany, those haters should be glad they’re getting anything — but it’ll be broadcast free on Spike, it’s full of potentially exciting matchups, and it’ll have serious implications for the UFC’s middleweight division. In the main event, Nate Marquardt and Yushin Okami will face off for a title shot against the winner of Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort. Marquardt and Okami are two guys who have spent their UFC careers clawing their way almost to the top, but falling just short of the glory. Earlier in his UFC career, Marquardt was TKO’d by Anderson Silva in the Spider’s first official title defense at UFC 73; this year, Marquardt suffered a decision loss to Chael Sonnen, snapping a fearsome three-knockout run.

As for Okami, the Japanese standout was outpointed in a previous #1-contender match against Rich Franklin at UFC 72, and was also stymied by Chael Sonnen last October. In other words, UFC 122’s headliners have endured the same setbacks — and they both know that the big opportunities don’t last forever. It’s do or die time. At Jackson’s MMA and Grudge Training Center, Marquardt is getting the best preparation that this country has to offer, and he’s a powerful, vicious striker. Okami is a deceptively strong fighter with great conditioning, who might be able to smother Marquardt just like Sonnen did.

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Marquardt Says Fans and the Media Need to Wait to Hear Sonnen’s Side Before Labelling Him a Cheater

("What do you think about Syntha-6, Nate? I’ve been showing impressive gains while taking it.")
During an appearance on The Bum Rush Radio Show last week, UFC middleweight contender Nate Marquardt spoke about Chael Sonnen’s recent alleged pos…


("What do you think about Syntha-6, Nate? I’ve been showing impressive gains while taking it.")

During an appearance on The Bum Rush Radio Show last week, UFC middleweight contender Nate Marquardt spoke about Chael Sonnen’s recent alleged positive test for elevated levels of testosterone.

Having been accused of PED use himself in 2005 after a positive test result for Nandralone netted him a six-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission following his decision win over Ivan Salaverry in his UFC debut, Marquardt is keeping an open mind when it comes to Sonnen’s situation.

Nate has always maintained that he never knowingly took the banned substance he tested positive for and that he believes the steroid was introduced to his system by dirty supplements he was taking prior to the bout. There have been several cases of PED-tainted supplements being sold in the U.S. and Canada over the years, so his story had merit, which is likely what led to NSAC lowering his suspension by one month.

He warns against MMA fans and members of the media persecuting Sonnen before he has his day in court December 2 when he meets with the California State Athletic Commission to appeal the one-year suspension and $2,500 fine he was handed down in September as a result of his alleged infraction.

"Until they’ve seen the test results and have researched it and know what they’re talking about, they should probably just [wait and] listen to what [Chael has to say]," he suggests.

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Trainer Trevor Wittman Explains Why He’s the Happiest Man on Fight Night

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse ExclusiveIn some ways, Trevor Wittman is to a UFC pay-per-view as a great character actor is to a Hollywood blockbuster. Even if you don’t know his name, you recognize him as soon as you see him on screen.

That’s because th…

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In some ways, Trevor Wittman is to a UFC pay-per-view as a great character actor is to a Hollywood blockbuster. Even if you don’t know his name, you recognize him as soon as you see him on screen.

That’s because the 36-year-old Wittman — trainer to fighters like Shane Carwin, Rashad Evans, Nate Marquardt, and several others– has a trademark. While other trainers and coaches are scowling their way to the cage, Wittman is the slightly goofy guy who’s grinning like a golden retriever with his head stuck out the car window.

“Brock [Lesnar] told me, ‘Man, you’ve got the most intimidating smile in the game,’ Wittman laughs. “You look across the cage at the other guys and you usually see that tough guy look. Me, I’m just happy to be there and excited to see my guy perform.”