Marquardt expects title shot if he beats Sonnen
It’s not every day that a fighter dreams about getting the chance to climb back into the cage against Anderson…
It’s not every day that a fighter dreams about getting the chance to climb back into the cage against Anderson Silva, but that’s exactly what Nate Marquardt, the No. 2 middleweight in the world, is hoping for when he fights on Feb. 6 at UFC 109. As Marquardt prepares for his showdown against Chael Sonnen, the stage is set for a title fight if he gets the win.
Marquardt spoke to MMAWeekly Radio recently about the UFC’s promise to give him another chance at the 185-pound divisional belt if he’s successful in his next fight.
“From what I understand, if I win this fight, I will get the shot,” Marquardt said.
After a No. 1 contender’s match with Dan Henderson fell through in November due to Henderson’s contract situation – he has since signed with Strikeforce –Marquardt waited for the word on his next challenge and who would get the shot at Silva.
As it turns out, former light heavyweight champion-turned-middleweight Vitor Belfort will get the next shot at Silva in a match-up proposed for April. Marquardt was admittedly a little puzzled with the move, but understands it is just business.
“I think (Belfort’s) a great fighter. I don’t necessarily agree with him getting a shot or whatever, just because he really hasn’t fought at 85,” Marquardt commented. “His first fight in the UFC was at 95, but to be honest it doesn’t really matter too much to me because I’ve got a good fight coming up and to me I’m going to have to fight all those guys anyways, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Despite Belfort getting the shot, champion Anderson Silva seems to think highly of Marquardt. Silva recently stated that he believes the Colorado native will soon be the man to rule the roost of the middleweight division.