Nate Marquardt vs. Rick Story
John Heinis
If you're not impressed with Rick Story at this point, I'd like to know which up-and-comer at 170 pounds you'd put your stock in.
Another former college wrestling standout who has found success in MMA, the "Horror" Story's MO has become smooth takedowns, quality striking and an iron jaw.
Nate Marquardt is no stranger to the big stage...but he is really not used to pulling through on the big stage.
Nate "The Great" got smashed by middleweight champion
Anderson Silva back in 2007, which realistically is nothing to be ashamed of, but also lost two title eliminator fights at 185 since then.
I'm a bit puzzled by Marquardt's drop to 170...if he really feels that much better at this weight, why can't he accept the fact he will more than likely have to fight friend and teammate Georges St-Pierre if his title run goes successfully?
To be quite honest, I feel like too many analysts are picking Nate for this fight. He hasn't won a major fight in literally years, and has struggled against quality wrestlers in the past.
The only thing working in Nate's favor is experience and rest time, as Story is filling on a month's notice as Anthony Johnson, almost predictably, managed to get hurt in training camp again.
Story's chin will stand up to whatever strikes Marquardt dishes out, and will overwhelm with his rock-solid ground game.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Story finish here, but I'll be conservative and say this one goes to the score cards.
Story by Unanimous Decision
Dana Becker
Personally, I really wanted to see the original main event of Anthony Johnson taking on Nate Marquardt to see if Johnson really does have what it takes to be a contender.
But, a rotator cuff injury knocked "Rumble" out, and Rick Story made sure to pounce on the opportunity to main-event a card.
Story (13-3) is less than a month removed from his unanimous-decision victory over former contender Thiago Alves at UFC 130. Outside of a late display of punching by Alves, Story showed why he is a fast-climbing star by outworking Alves.
Since a loss to John Hathaway in 2009, Story has reeled off six straight wins. Prior to that loss to Hathaway, "The Horror" had won six fights in a row as well, so winning is something he is quite used to doing.
Marquardt (31-10) is making his debut at welterweight, after competing as a middleweight in the UFC and even fighting champion Anderson Silva for the belt.
Since his title opportunity, Marquardt has had an up-and-down career, going 5-3. He had worked himself back into contention by winning three straight, but a loss to Chael Sonnen sent "The Great" back to the drawing board.
Overall, Marquardt is going to be a huge welterweight, as his body is very top-heavy. His power will be more than Story has ever seen, forcing Story to use a hit-and-run type of attack.
Taking the fight on short notice may actually help Story, as he showed he is in great condition from his bout with Alves and can take some punches and keep going.
Story via Split Decision
Dale De Souza
The question isn't whether or not Nate "The Great" Marquardt can blast Rick "The Horror" Story with a lethal right hand or a flying knee; it's not a question of whether or not Nate Marquardt can take the fight to the ground and work his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu against Story.
In the minds of most fans, Marquardt can and presumably will easily handle Story, but the question is not whether Marquardt can KO or submit Story.
The question is will he be able to retain his finishing skills after making the cut to welterweight against the man who replaced his original foe?
Story is coming off of the biggest win of his career to date against Thiago Alves, and he took the fight with Marquardt on short notice after an injury forced Anthony Johnson out of action.
Perhaps the game plan for Story is the same one Marquardt had in store for Johnson, and perhaps it is not, but Story has been riding a supersonic momentum train ever since his only UFC loss to John Hathaway and that momentum will elevate in another shocker at the expense of the Greg Jackson veteran.
Will Nate Marquardt look terrible at 170 pounds?
Absolutely not.
As a matter of fact, I would expect Story's heart and his durability as a fighter to be the only things keeping him from getting finished by Marquardt, who might win the first two rounds.
With that said, though, will Story still find a way to beat Nate Marquardt before the end of the third round—knocking him out and getting the win in the process?
You can bet your bottom dollar on it.
Rick Story by R3 KO (Punches)
Jordy McElroy
After a turbulent run at middleweight, Nate Marquardt has decided to drop to the welterweight division. While Marquardt will enjoy a nice size advantage over most of his opposition, his drop to 170 pounds won’t cure his wrestling woes.
He tends to struggle when his opponents are constantly pushing the action on the feet and mixing things up with takedowns.
Unfortunately for Marquardt, that description fits Rick Story to a tee. Story is coming off two colossal victories over Thiago Alves and Johny Hendricks.
There may be skeptics, but Story continues to prove himself as a world-class fighter.
Marquardt has the skill set to defeat any fighter in the welterweight division, but his tendency to shut down against strong wrestlers makes this a tough bout to predict.
A betting man should definitely consider picking up Story, but I’ll take my plunge like the majority and choose Marquardt in a close unanimous decision.
Marquardt via Unanimous Decision
Sean Smith
Marquardt will have an excellent opportunity to make an immediate impact in the welterweight division at UFC on Versus 4, but it won't come easily against Story.
Story is a fighter who possesses the exact fighting style that gave Marquardt fits in his last two losses at middleweight.
Taking this fight may not have been the best decision by Story, who is coming off of a hard-fought win over Thiago Alves at UFC 129.
However, Marquardt may be equally drained heading into this fight after cutting to 170 pounds for the first time.
Marquardt has excellent power in his strikes, but Story has developed a granite chin and his wrestling is strong enough to level the playing field when it comes to Marquardt's size advantage.
While Marquardt is the much more experienced fighter, Story has showed a steep learning curve. The 26-year-old Story has shown improvement with every fight, while Marquardt has likely reached his peak as a fighter.
Story does an excellent job of mixing in takedowns after pressuring his opponents with his striking power, which is the perfect strategy to defeat Marquardt and move one step closer to a welterweight title shot.
Story Defeats Marquardt by Unanimous Decision