Nate ‘The Great’ Marquardt entered the UFC with a fearsome reputation. Three-time King of Pancrase, the Wyoming born fighter had been plying his trade since 1999 and gained high calibre experience in the USA and Japan. Already having fought top competition such as Kazuo Misaki, Genki Sudo and Ricardo Almeida before stepping into the Octagon, he was touted as a great middleweight prospect. He confirmed these preconceptions by going 4-0 in the Octagon, defeating the likes of Dean Lister, Ivan Salaverry and Joe Doerksen en route to a title shot against Anderson Silva.

On July 7th, 2007, Marquardt fell short of his goal and was stopped by Silva just seconds away from the end of the first round. He has grown as a fighter significantly in the time since that loss, however, stopping his last three opponents by T/KO and he now hopes to get another crack at ‘The Spider’ with a win over Chael Sonnen at UFC 109.

“I was told a win will put me in a title fight,” Marquardt told MMA Unltd, but he is not looking past the threat that Chael Sonnen poses, adding, “I am focused on this fight only.”

“Training has gone excellent,” he continued.

Sonnen produces his most consummate performance to date in his last outing as he dominated Yushin Okami to take a Unanimous Decision. The relative ease with which he controlled the fight was impressive as UFC fans hadn’t seen anybody handle the Japanese man so easily; Sonnen using his wrestling pedigree and experience to overcome his adversary whilst never looking in danger. Not even former champion Rich Franklin emerged unscathed against Okami as he was in danger of being submitted at one point in their encounter. Marquardt recognises that Sonnen is a good fighter, yet doesn’t believe he has the all-round ability to compete with him.

“I don't know what he will do. He may try to stand with me but I'm sure once I land a punch, he'll try to take me down,” Marquardt offered. “I believe I will be able to knock him out or submit him. I am better on the feet and on the ground.”

Should he continue his win streak and earn his next attempt at the belt, Nate will face either Anderson Silva or Vitor Belfort. The pair are set to duke it out at UFC 112, although Nate believes a Silva KO is on the cards. Although he noted that Belfort “has a chance”, he isn’t worried by either man and just wants to become known as the best fighter at 185lbs.

“I really don't care that much. Whoever has the belt after that fight is whom I will want to fight,” he retorted when asked if there was a preferential opponent.

That said, he is actively seeking redemption against Silva for the loss he suffered almost three years ago.

“I'm not sure what he will do [with regards to moving up to 205lbs]. I just hope I get to fight him again,” confirmed Marquardt.

With UFC 109 looming on February 6th in Las Vegas, expect Marquardt to be prepared and motivated for the test that Chael Sonnen poses.

“Thank you all. Come see me at NateMarquardt.com.”
 

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