• UFC

Axed UFC fighter Marquardt signed by BAMMA

ESPN staff
July 22, 2011
Nate Marquardt could get his wish to fight Paul Daley © Getty Images
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The future of Nate Marquardt has been decided, with the axed UFC middleweight heading to BAMMA.

Marquardt was cut by the UFC after he delivered a high testosterone level prior to his main event with Rick Story. The American claimed he required Testosterone Replacement Therapy, but he nevertheless found himself in need of new employers.

The British Association of Mixed Martials Arts, better known as BAMMA, has stepped in, signing Marquardt to one of the largest contracts in the promotion's history.

"I'm very excited to be working with BAMMA," Marquardt said. "They hold sports regulation in high regard and mandate it for their athletes. They are also known for signing top-level fighters and I want to fight the best. I can't wait to show everyone what I'm capable of in the welterweight division."

The fact that Marquardt confirmed he will fight at welterweight hints at a future bout with the likes of Paul Daley, who is contracted to both Strikeforce and BAMMA. Daley was extremely vocal against Marquardt following his axe from the UFC, and the American has since vowed to make Daley pay.

"It's huge for us because Nate is a world-class fighter," Liam Fisher, BAMMA vice-president, said. "He's a very legitimate and current fighter. We're trying to grow and be a big organization. Having people like Nate on the roster means we can achieve that."

BAMMA is yet to announce Marquardt's first opponent, or the date of his debut.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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