Nate Marquardt In Talks With Bellator FC

Former UFC #1 middleweight contender Nate Marquardt is in negotiations with Bellator according to a rumor by ESPN. Bellator welterweight champ, Ben Askren has called out Marquardt on Twitter since Marquardt was fired by the UFC for Testosterone Replacement Therapy.


Marquardt could be a big addition to Bellator’s roster and could come at a reasonable price now that Marquardt has no shot at going to Strikeforce or the UFC. Marquardt would bring a ‘name’ to Bellator but he also brings the stigma of being a cheater. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out. Bellator is in need of some star power and before the controversy Marquardt had been featured prominently on Spike TV and 13 UFC main cards.

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This to me is a very interesting match-up because of the amount of talking that Ben Askren has been doing towards the number three ranked middleweight in the world according to various sources.

Askren started within hours of Marquardt's cut from the UFC because of his TRT issues; going on blast about how the now 'former' middleweight star is a cheater. Askren went on further to elaborate that if Nate stepped in the ring with him, there would be no contest as to who the real winner will be.

Now that Nate has shown interest in Bellator, the company could see a rise in sponsorship and future profits if the former UFC title contender signs on the dotted line. He could bring more viewers to MTV2 and generate enough returning eyes to the screen to get Bellator out of the crappy MTV channel and into something with better resolution so I don't have to watch blurs across my screen everytime a kick is thrown.

I would really like to see Nate sign with Bellator because a lot of up and coming fighters working their way into the UFC are often neglected and not given the air time they deserve.

When I say this, I am referring to specific names out there fighting (who shall remain nameless) who, in their minds believe they are better than UFC champions.

I am not saying UFC belt holders are #1 in the world, but what I am saying is they face some of the best competition on the planet. So, when someone with a big mouth and a funny face begin their verbal assault on the UFC and how fighters would fall to him like leaves in the wind, no. I draw the line. I have never been a fan of Askren and would love nothing other than to see his winning streak put to a stop.

I am getting tired of these three round lay and pray fights Bellator appears to be putting forth more. Unfortunately, this does not help the cause if Marquardt signs, but at least we will hopefully see Askren get his mouth shut.