“I won’t run away from a stand-up fight (with Anderson)”: Nate Marquardt

Published on: 3rd May, 2009

"I won't run away from a stand-up fight (with Anderson)": Nate Marquardt  | read this item

Nate Marquardt stated after his win at UFC 95 the next time he faces off against Anderson Silva it will be a different fight. If Marquardt wants another title shot he needs to go through Demian Maia at UFC 102. Now Marquardt says he won’t make the same mistake that Thales Leites made at UFC 97 and that he is not afraid to stand and trade with Anderson Silva if they meet for the title again.

MMAJunkie.com’s Dave Meltzer caught up to the improved Marquardt who spoke about how he would approach a second fight against the Middleweight champion.

“First of all, I won’t run away from a stand-up fight,” Marquardt said. “I don’t care where the fight goes. I’m going to take my openings. If there’s an opening standing, I’ll take it. If there’s an opening for ground-and-pound, I’ll go for it. If a submission opens up, I’ll go for it. I feel I have a lot of different options.”

I think a second fight between Marquardt and Silva will play out a lot different, he has elevated his striking and is already a grappling champion. If you need any proof of how well his striking has improved watch his fight against Ivan Salaverry, which was one of the most boring fights I have ever seen. Now fast forward and watch his beautiful knockouts of Martin Kampmann and Wilson Gouveia. Marquardt is now a legitimate force on his feet and someone who could end a fight with a knee or a 6 hit combo. I can not wait to see how his fight with Demian Maia plays out at UFC 102.

Fan Question:Will a second fight between Nate Marquardt and Anderson Silva play out any different?

 Narcisist is the Co-owner of UR Dirt and is the designer, editor and author. URDirt.com is a MMA blog that covers the UFC, WEC, StrikeForce, DREAM and several other Mixed Martial Art promotions. Read more from this author

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