Nate Marquardt signs with Strikeforce

Expected to remain at WW...he should fight Rockhold though.

http://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/2/21/2815467/nate-marquardt-signs-with-strikeforce

Feb 21, 2012 - Nate Marquardt's professional purgatory is over. One of the MMA world's top free agents, the veteran has been signed by Zuffa, but in a surprise move, inked to the UFC's sister promotion Strikeforce.

The signing, confirmed by Zuffa's Dana White, was reported on Tuesday's edition of FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight."

Marquardt, a perennial top 10 middleweight during a six-year run in the UFC, is expected to compete as a welterweight in Strikeforce.

The 32-year-old hasn't fought since last March, when he earned a unanimous decision victory over Dan Miller at UFC 128.

One of the more bizarre episodes in UFC history led to his release. In June 2011, Marquardt seemed set to make his welterweight debut in a match against Rick Story, but on the day of weigh-ins, he was denied a fighter's license by the Pennsylvania state athletic commission after failing to satisfy the requirements for a therapeutic use exemption for hormone replacement therapy.

He was immediately cut from the organization by White.

Just about one month later, Marquardt signed with UK promotion BAMMA, making him the highest-profile fighter in the organization's short history. As it turns out, he never actually fought in their cage.

After Marquardt's BAMMA debut was delayed twice by the promotion, the two sides parted ways in January, allowing Marquardt to explore other opportunities.

While UFC president Dana White said in the aftermath of the Marquardt firing that Marquardt would never fight for the UFC again, he never closed the door on a possible Strikeforce signing.

Just last month, White seemed to acknowledge that he was open to a Marquardt return, saying "I don't dislike Nate. I like Nate very much. We'll see what happens."

What happened is a return into the Zuffa family, where Marquardt will be a welcome addition to a division that is clearly lacking in veteran star power. Aside from Tyron Woodley, top fighters in the division include Tarec Saffiedine, Jordan Mein and Jason High.

We still have no idea what he'll look like at 170 but he's better than all those guys

Woodley is the only interesting one, Marquardt can be outwrestled and as you mentioned..we don't know if 170 will be good or bad for Nate.

He's serious about 170 so he must be feeling good about his prospects there. The best fight in Strikeforce are in the MW division though. I would like to see Nate against Luke, Jacare, and Kennedy.

Nate beats everyone at 170 in Strikeforce. At 185 I think Rockhold and even Jacare bust him up.

If he is planning on going 170, shit, he should fight 185 next weekend against Jacare. Atone for the botched main event last year by stepping up and creating a huge MW fight on this card that is in need of a replacement. I think Nate is old school enough to go for something like that, or at least I hope he is, and I hope they put it together.

Ninja wrote:

Nate beats everyone at 170 in Strikeforce. At 185 I think Rockhold and even Jacare bust him up.

Jacare vs Nate should be made RIGHT NOW! That fight would be awesome. Screw brunson or bronson?

A 4 man GP of-

Rockhold vs Kennedy
Jacare vs Nate

Would be pretty good.

Am I the only one who thinks Dana should've just brought him back to the ufc if he's ok with him fighting under Zuffa? Maybe this is just a way to spice SF up and shut some other SF fighter up in the process?

Personally, I just think DW and Associates, didn't want one of the biggest names in MMA going to Bellator. It was a smart move and it gives Nate a 2nd chance, which I am fine with.

I'm not so sure Nate wants to make his WW debut by cutting weight so many times in a short period. I think Nate would have been looking for one of those "super fights" that Bellator likes to do. Can't see him being part of a tourney.

lol @ BAMMA.

https://ninjasplace.forumotion.net/t13841p30-what-themarquardt-is-out-of-the-ufc?highlight=nate

Close enough...

Too bad Zuffa didn't keep SF, Reem didn't signed with the UFC after getting cut and Nick Diaz went into Boxing.

Nice call.

Just pray to the MMA christ that he finishes woodley in chilling fashion.