DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – Former Strikeforce champion Nate Marquardt is ready to make his comeback.
Marquardt (35-19-2), who hasn’t competed since a split decision loss to Cezar Ferreira at UFC Fight Night 120 in November 2017, has been wanting to get back to action for several years at this point. He’s announced his intentions in the past, but now says it’s close to becoming reality.
“It was in April 2018 (when I first thought of a comeback), but I’ve been more serious this last year,” Marquardt told MMA Junkie. “We’re in talks right now. Right now I’m at a point where I’m in really good shape right now and I’m willing to take something when it comes up. Even a last-minute fight if it pops up.”
Marquardt did not reveal the promotions he’s negotiation with for an MMA return. He said he still feels he can be competitive and has the drive to step in the cage, despite losing four of his past five fights, all of which came under the UFC banner, and retiring from the sport in December 2017.
During his hiatus, “The Great” has relocated from Colorado to Florida, where he’s now training at the noted Sanford MMA gym. As someone who has experienced many different environments during a career that dates back to April 1999, Marquardt said the team is a perfect fit for him.
“I love it here,” Marquardt said. “I think it’s such a good team in the way that everybody here is really focused on building. Not just themselves, but building the team and helping each other. Having experience fits well on this team, an I’m willing to share it. I’m getting help from everyone else and we benefit.”
At 42, Marquardt said he doesn’t know how many fights his comeback will entail. He’s just focused on the next one, which he hopes happens this year, be it at middleweight or welterweight.
“Right now I’m floating between 190 and 195,” Marquardt said. “I’ve even been as low as low 180s. I think it just kind of depends on what comes up.”
Nate Marquardt in talks for MMA comeback: ‘I’m in really good shape’
