Nate Marquardt released from BAMMA contract

El Guapo!

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Nate Marquardt's run in BAMMA has come to an end before it ever really started.

According to Marquardt's manager Lex McMahon, the UK-based BAMMA has agreed to release Marquardt from his contract following the organization's decision to delay their ninth event from Feb. 11 to March 24. Marquardt was scheduled to fight Yoshiyuki Yoshida in the main event of BAMMA 9 for the organization's welterweight title.

This marks the second time BAMMA has delayed Marquardt's promotional debut, as he was originally scheduled to fight for BAMMA in December.

"Nate is disappointed that he has not been able to fight for BAMMA and the UK fans," McMahon said. "However, given the situation that BAMMA removed him as the headliner from BAMMA 8 and have elected to reschedule BAMMA 9 to March 24, 2012 all parties concerned feel that it is in Nate's best interest to explore other options at this stage. Nate is one of the best fighters in the world and looks forward to fighting the best competition possible. Both Nate and I wish BAMMA all the best in their future endeavors."

The 32-year-old Marquardt signed with BAMMA in July, following his release from the UFC in June. Marquardt was released from the UFC one day before his main event fight against Rick Story after the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission ruled that his testosterone levels were above the approved limit. After a brief suspension by the commission, Marquardt was cleared to fight anywhere in the world, and he chose the upstart BAMMA organization.

Unfortunately, Marquardt (31-10-2) never had the opportunity to fight for the promotion due to reasons beyond his control.

"The decision to move the BAMMA 9 event to March 24, 2012, was taken in the interests of the BAMMA promotion as a whole and we believe that this will result in the strongest BAMMA event to date," BAMMA CEO David Green said in a statement provided to MMAFighting.com by McMahon. "It is important to note that the decision to remove Nate from the BAMMA 8 card and to reschedule BAMMA 9 in no way is a result of any actions taken by him. Nate was originally to feature on the BAMMA 8 card in December and with this current date change it is only fair for us at this stage to honor Nate's contract agreement and allow him to look for fights outside of the BAMMA promotion.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the professional manner in which Nate Marquardt and his team have conducted themselves. They have been an absolute pleasure to work with and we are just disappointed that we have not been able to work out a way to seeing Nate take his place on the BAMMA 9 card."

So once BAMMA informed McMahon that they would be delaying Marquardt's promotional debut for a second time, McMahon asked for Marquardt to be released from his contract, which BAMMA obliged.

As a result of his release from the organization, Marquardt is now free to fight for any other promotion as soon as possible, and while McMahon declined to comment where and when we'll see the former UFC middleweight contender fight next, he said, "Nate's exploring his options and we're excited about the future."

Interesting move by Marquardt and his management. Where else would interest Nate?.......Bellator?
I know Dana White said he'll never fight in the UFC again but he may have said that in the heat of the moment. I wonder could this be the start of a move back to the UFC? Or maybe Strikeforce for a while and if he impresses then back to the UFC. Or am I just being optimistic?! :pac:

Stephen_King

Cage Contender has a main event slot that needs filling

MrStuffins

Stephen_King wrote: »

Cage Contender has a main event slot that needs filling

Je-Sus-Christ!

I think my head would explode!

riffmongous

Don't Bellator have an upcoming middleweight tournament?

Stephen_King

Stephen_King wrote: »

Cage Contender has a main event slot that needs filling

Great idea. Someone make it happen

Stephen_King

Deleted User wrote: »

Great idea. Someone make it happen

More tongue in cheek than anything hence the- !. Would be a great fight but think that's one both lads would want a bit more time to prepare for...

Stephen_King

Stephen_King wrote: »

More tongue in cheek than anything hence the- !. Would be a great fight but think that's one both lads would want a bit more time to prepare for...

Yeah same as my post :pac:

Look for Marquardt to go to Bellator to fight in their MW or WW tourney. Maiquel Falcao joined the tournament too. Link

loremolis

I feel sorry for him.

While he may have handled the hormone/drug thing badly, he's still a great fighter just looking for a fight.