It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Going into Saturday the MMA community was expecting to see a division-changing fight between established veteran Nate Marquardt and the surging Rick Story. Everyone knew this would be a great matchup, and the addition of Story had caught everyone’s attention. However, with little more than 24 hours to go until fight time, not only has this fight changed, but now one of those combatants finds himself without a job.
Just before the official weigh-ins for UFC Live 4, various news outlets began to leak information that Marquardt was forced off of the card. The exact reason wasn’t announced, however sources stated that he had to pull out due to “failing his medicals.” It was not until UFC President Dana White took to his Twitter account to post this video that everyone had the confirmation that they needed.
White announced before the little camera that the fighter known as “The Great” was not only out of the main event, but “out of the UFC.” This came as a shock to the MMA community. While not the first time that the UFC has hastily released someone for their actions (see Paul Daley or Gerald Harris), it is the first time that an individual has been released right before a scheduled fight. The exact reason why Marquardt failed his tests had not been revealed, but White must have his own ideas for him to take action in such a way.
This leaves Rick Story to face Charlie Brenneman, who also had an opponent pull out due to injury a few weeks back. The Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry heavyweight tilt is the new main event for tonight’s card.
Going from former title contender to unemployed has been a tough journey for Marquardt. In 2007 he challenged for the middleweight title, but was stopped by champion Anderson Silva. Since that time he has struggled to return to the number one contender slot, and earn the title shot that he coveted so much. The drop to welterweight was supposed to revitalize his career; now we are all left to wonder how will he rebound.
This release will also send a shockwave through the UFC roster, as they now know that any type of infraction that causes a major shakeup of a highly anticipated event will possibly result in immediate dismissal. While various figures have been suspended for failing medical tests, none have been immediately released like this. We have to wonder if this is going to be the policy going forward for individuals who find themselves in the same situation.
