Marquardt, Story headline UFC event in Pittsburgh
?Nate Marquardt and Rick Story will headline the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first event at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on Sunday, June 26.
The main event for UFC Live on Versus 4 was scheduled to be between Marquardt and Anthony Johnson, but an injury to Johnson gave Story the opportunity to face Marquardt.
Story (13-3) is coming off a unanimous decision over Thiago Alves at UFC 130, which some considered an upset. Story will be in his second fight in less than a month.
“I love to fight and my camp jumped at the opportunity to get back in the octagon,” Story said during a conference call Tuesday. “Earlier in my career, I fought once a month, so this is nothing new for me. I like to keep after it. It builds my momentum.”
Marquardt isn’t overly concerned with the change in opponent after Johnson had to back out.
“All fighters in the UFC are tough,” Marquardt said. “There are a lot of differences between Story and Johnson, but the game plan is basically the same.”
After a three-round battle with one of the best strikers in MMA, many have questioned Story’s decision to enter the octagon so soon, although Story isn’t concerned with it.
“Honestly, I was a little sore after the Alves fight, but I’m not worried about it,” Story said. “It took me about a week to bounce back. We’ve had an intense training camp. I’m ready for the opportunity.”
Story, who is on a six-fight win streak, would like to get his shot at welterweight champions Georges St. Pierre if he can put away Marquardt.
“I think it all depends on how the fight goes,” Story said. “If I get a quick stoppage, it would increase my chances for a title shot. I believe I’m a few fights away.”
Story has unbelievable conditioning, is a power puncher and strong with his elbows, while Marquardt is a well-rounded fighter who is just as effective in the stand up as on the ground. Story has a strong wrestling background, and was runner-up in the 2006 NAIA National Wrestling Championships at 184 pounds while attending Southern Oregon University.
“I really like to stand and trade,” Story said. “I think I proved that in the Alves fight.”
Marquardt (34-10-2) will enter the octagon for the first time as a welterweight after taking advice from St. Pierre, who he trains with, to drop down from middleweight.
“My weight now is very good,” Marquardt said. “I’m not worried about it. I have a dietitian that’s helping me, but I’m just focused on the fight. Rick is a tough guy who just beat Thiago. I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m not surprised that he took this fight.”
Marquardt isn’t concerned that cutting weight will affect his performance against Story.
“I felt very light in my last fight,” Marquardt said. “I haven’t lost any strength or speed. I really believe 170 is my natural weight. I plan on staying at welterweight. This isn’t a one-fight deal.”
In other action on the main card, Cheick Kongo (25-6-2) and Pat Barry (6-2) will fight in a heavyweight battle. Matt Brown (13-10) and John Howard (14-6) will meet in a welterweight showdown, and Matt Mitrione (4-0) takes on Christian Morecraft (7-1) in a heavyweight matchup.
The event will be aired live on Versus with a 9?p.m. start.