In a bizarre weekend for the UFC, they cut main event fighter Nate Marquardt from the company just 24 hours before he was due to fight Rick Story at UFC Live on Versus 4.
Charlie Brenneman stepped up on short notice and shockingly upset Story, who had been touted as being in the mix at welterweight after recent impressive performances, notably against former title contender Thiago Alves.
This shocking decision was based on the fact that in his pre-fight medical, Marquardt was not medically cleared to fight and was indefinitely suspended by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission (PAC).
Due to medical privacy laws in the state no other information could be given by the PAC or UFC on the matter, however, there have been some comments from all parties involved.
Nate Marquardt took to his Twitter after the decision was made by the UFC brass:
“I’m sorry to all my fans and the UFC for not passing the medicals for tonight’s fight. I’m heart broken I couldn’t fight, but I will b back.”
An excerpt from the PAC statement on the matter suggested Marquardt had been trying to conceal his medical issue, stating: “Nate has known for probably about a month and a half. He knew the situation. It was no surprise.”
Dana White was unequivocal during a post-fight interview after the night of fights.
“I think it’s pretty clear to the fans and everyone else that I’m disgusted with Nate Marquardt. He’s been cut by the UFC and he won’t fight for the UFC again.
“Bottom line: What Nate Marquardt did is bad enough to be cut by the UFC…. He has no business fighting in the UFC…. This is one of those situations where, because of the laws in Pennsylvania, Nate Marquardt is going to have to man up and tell the world why he didn’t pass.
“And when he does, I think everyone will understand why he was cut from the UFC…. I give a lot of guys chances, and a lot of guys make mistakes. Nate Marquardt is one of those guys. So for me to come out and say that Nate Marquardt isn’t going to fight in the UFC anymore, it’s got to be pretty serious.”
The UFC president’s comments will only fuel more online speculation until Marquardt makes an official statement on why he was not medically cleared when sources close to his camp say he was on course to make the weight for his debut at 170lbs.
“I will personally be addressing all issues regarding my medicals, etc this Tuesday,” Marquardt said via his Twitter page.
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