• UFC Live

Marquardt warns Story: 'I can end this in one punch'

ESPN staff
June 25, 2011
Nate Marquardt v Rick Story

Nate Marquardt smiles with an ominous confidence when looking ahead to UFC Live, warning Rick Story: "I can end any fight with one punch."

Marquardt and Story do battle in Sunday's main event in Pittsburgh, knowing victory could grant the winner a shot at the UFC welterweight title.

Story has all the momentum, coming off of six wins to emerge as a real up-and-comer in the UFC 170lb division. By contrast, Marquardt's middleweight days are over, despite a victory over Dan Miller last time out, but he is convinced he can excel at the lower weight.

Story will bring a granite chin, a smothering wrestling base, and a high tempo, while Marquardt will bring power and top class striking ability. And it is previous wins over the likes of Demian Maia, beaten in 21 seconds, that Marquardt insists gives him the edge.

"He's tough, but he doesn't have the experience or skill set that I do," Marquardt says of Story. "I can end any fight with one punch. I intend to dominate this fight. I'm ready to go."

Story is coming off the biggest win of his career against Thiago Alves, and he believes the tale of the fight will once again be about taking his opponent's will.

"Nate's a great opponent, he's well-rounded, and he's been here for a long time," said Story.

"I'm here to fight him. I'll aim to impose my will on my opponent, and make him react to what I do. If I do that, I'm pretty sure things will go my way."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices