Nathan Marquardt
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| Nathan Marquardt | |
|---|---|
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname | The Great |
| Height | 6 ft. 1 in. (185 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Nationality |  American |
| Born | April 20, 1979 |
| Fighting out of | Denver, Colorado |
| Town of birth | Lander, Wyoming |
| Fighting style | Gaidojutsu |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Wins | 21 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| By submission | 11 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 2 |
Nathan Joel Marquardt (born April 20, 1979 in Lander, Wyoming) is an American mixed martial artist. He is a seven-time Middleweight King of Pancrase Champion, and currently fights at middleweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
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[edit] Career
Marquardt began his professional mixed martial arts career in 1999, amassing victories in various promotions before making his debut in Japan's Pancrase organization. In his first Pancrase fight, he lost via armbar submission to Genki Sudo.
Marquardt's next outing in Pancrase would prove to be much more successful, picking up seven straight victories within the organization, and becoming the first Middleweight King of Pancrase in the process. He would continue fighting in Pancrase, earning more crucial victories and titles in the organization.
[edit] Almeida incident
On November 30, 2003, Marquardt was involved in a brief altercation with middleweight opponent, Ricardo Almeida, in a Pancrase title fight. Marquardt, who was caught in a guillotine choke, tapped out; the referee, however, was unable to immediately separate the fighters due to Almeida's reluctance to ease the choke. After he was freed, an infuriated Marquardt threw a forearm strike at Almeida's face, prompting both corners to storm the ring – including Renzo Gracie, who was cornering Almeida. The confrontation eventually came to an end, and Marquardt approached Almeida after the bout to congratulate him. Although Marquardt lost this title bout, he would go on to win the championship twice more in his tenure with the company.
[edit] Transition to the UFC
On May 1, 2005, Marquardt defeated Izuru Takeuchi, winning the Pancrase Middleweight Championship for a seventh time. It was then announced that Marquardt would be making his debut with the UFC in August, live on Spike TV, headlining the inaugural Ultimate Fight Night card in Las Vegas, Nevada. His debut ended in success; Marquardt earned a decision victory over UFC veteran Ivan Salaverry.
However, post-fight drug testing controversy led to Marquardt's suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. It is believed that Marquardt tested positive for high levels of nandrolone prior to his fight with Salaverry, which led the commission to file for his suspension. Marquardt maintains that he only used over-the-counter supplements in preparation for his fight – a claim which seems to be affirmed by a follow-up drug test that found Marquardt to be free of illegal substances. Regardless, Marquardt's suspension was lifted in January, 2006. [1]
With the drug testing controversy behind him, Marquardt was set to make his return to the UFC at UFC 58, fighting a mixed martial arts veteran in Joe Doerksen. The fight proved to be a successful endeavor for Marquardt, as he won a unanimous decision over Doerksen. In the post-fight interview, Marquardt stated his goals of capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship, and his intention to fight then-champion Rich Franklin.
Marquardt fought Crafton Wallace – a replacement for Marquardt's original opponent, Thales Leites – on the undercard of Ortiz vs. Shamrock 3: The Final Chapter on October 10, 2006, winning by rear naked choke in the second round. Due to his commitment to the UFC, Marquardt relinquished his title as the Middleweight King of Pancrase that same month. [2]
[edit] Other accomplishments
- 1999 World Vale Tudo Federation Champion
- 1999 I.M.A. Rumble In The Rookies Champion
- 1999 Bas Rutten Invitational 4 Lightweight Champion
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ricardo Murgel
