Nate “The Great” Marquardt has had a turbulent last couple of years, both professionally and personally. Prior to his main event welterweight match-up with Rick Story, Nate was removed from the bout due to failing his pre-fight physical and testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone. The incident, not being the first in Nate’s career, was enough to warrant his release according to UFC President Dana White. 

Approximately a year later, Marquardt would sign with ZUFFA-owned Strikeforce and challenge for their vacant welterweight title, where he would defeat touted wrestler Tyron Woodley. Nate dominated the fight for the better part of fifteen minutes before finishing Woodley off with vicious strikes in the fourth round. The win signalled a sort of rebirth for the exiled former middleweight contender, who looked like he had found a new home at 170lbs.

“Definitely when I won the Strikeforce title, that was like redemption for me,” Marquardt explained to members of the media at UFC 155, ”There were a lot of things leading up that were really good for me but that was the climax right there.”

Whilst his release may have been the lowest point of his professional career, Marquardt insists that the past is behind him and that he is blessed to have the opportunities placed before him now.

“Oh man, that was one of the toughest things in my career but no hard feelings,” he expressed, “I look to the future and I am happy where I am at. I feel like I am blessed where I am at.”

When asked about his prior suspension with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, Marquardt quickly confirmed that all his professional problems have been resolved.

“Yes, everything is resolved,” he said, “I’ve got all my issues straightened out.”

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