Marquardt Had Testoerone Issues

On Saturday the MMA world heard the news that Nate Marquardt has been cut from the fight card for UFC on Versus 4 as well as the UFC organization. Rumors swirled and speculation rose as he remained quiet along with the state athletic commission for legal purposes. Now, Tuesday has arrived and Nate finally will give the fans an explanation of what really happened this past weekend in Pennsylvania.


Nate Marquardt was fired on Saturday, just 24 hours before his main event at UFC on Versus 4, for failing over a six week period to provide the Pennsylvania SAC with some medically related requirement for him to fight. The nature of the requirement is protected by federal HIPAA rules, and not definitively revealed until 1 p.m. ET today, when the former middleweight number one contender, accompanied by manager Lex McMahon, broke his silence on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.
Marquardt says he was not medically cleared for his UFC on Versus 4 main event versus Rick Story because of a snafu with his Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).

Marquardt said in August of 2010 he began feeling sluggish and that his memory was off. His MD did tests, which came back for low testosterone. He then received clearance from a physician to undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

He began HRT under a Therapeutic Use Exemption* for his fight against Dan Miller at UFC 128 in New Jersey. Treatment was. The New Jersey SAC, which oversaw the Miller bout, approved the testosterone therapy.

Says his MD advised him to undertake a "more aggressive therapy" three weeks out from his fight vs. Rick Story at UFC on Versus 4. Two weeks out from the fight he took a blood test which revealed high levels; on the advice of his MD he stopped the treatment. Never the less, the test he took on the day of the weigh ins was above the limit allowed limit by the Pennsylvania SAC.

Says he "made a mistake" by not requesting a blood test earlier than two weeks before the fight.
Says his blood levels have returned to normal;  he and expects to have suspension lifted after a board meeting with the Pennsylvania SAC later this week.

Nate details tests they ran include brain scans, mono test, blood test for other hormones. He then details possible causes including genetic, problem with testicles, pituitary gland problem. Says he isn't sure why he personally has low testosterone. Says he is not a doctor, but needs to take responsibility. as he's the one fighting, not the doctor. Says he is the one that messed up. Nate chokes up.

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