UFC 109 Marquardt vs. Sonnen Preview

Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen

Nate Marquardt has had a long MMA career dating back to 1999. He won the King of Pancrase championship in late 2002. Nate moved into the UFC in August 2005. He defeated Ivan Salaverry at the first Ultimate Fight Night. Nate has fought for the Middleweight belt in the past, he lost to Anderson Silva at UFC 73 in (RD1 4:50). After his lose, he fought at UFC 81 defeating UFC veteran Jeremy Horn in the second round by Guillotine.

Nate’s next fight, Nate won the battle but lost the war to Thales Leites. Nate lost the fight by split decision. Marquardt was docked 1 point in the second round for kneeing to the head of a downed opponent, and another point in round three for strikes to the back of the head.

Marquardt has gone on a three fight win streak, KOing all three opponents, Kampmann, Gouvei and Maia. He is a great fighter but this has not come without controversy. He tested positive for nandrolne after his first fight in the UFC. Expect to see Marquardt fighting for the belt once again in the near future if he can get past Sonnen.

Chael Sonnen started his career in early 2002 defeating Jason Miller at HFP1 in California. Over the course of his career he has fought fighters like Forest Griffin, Tim Credeur, Jeremy Horn, Paulo Filho, Demian Maia and Renato Sobral.

Chael fought for the WEC middleweight belt at WEC31 vs. Paulo Filho. He lost via armbar in the second round. He would get a chance to redeem himself at WEC 36 where he defeated Paulo Filho by unanimous decision. This was a non-title fight because Filho missed weight.

In his first fight in the UFC, Sonnen lost to Demian Maia by triangle choke in the first round at UFC 95. He has however put together a two fight win streak defeating both opponents, Dan Miller & Yushin Okami by unanimous decision.

Sonnen has his hands full against Marquardt. I think Marquardt is a better all around fighter; he has a better ground game and better striking. I think Sonnen is just outmatched on all aspects besides wrestling. If Sonnen has any hope he needs to take down Marquardt and hold him and hope he is not submitted. That being said, it is a fight and it wouldn’t be that crazy of an upset if he won.

By: Matt Coffman