Nate Marquardt | Source: MMAWeekly.com
UFC middleweight contender Nate “The Great” Marquardt recently spoke with Tapology’s Steven Kelliher about his upcoming fight against Yushin Okami in the main event of UFC 122.
One of the most experienced middleweights in the world, Nate Marquardt has virtually seen it all inside the Octagon. That does not mean he is taking his next opponent, surging Japanese contender Yushin Okami, lightly though. In fact, Marquardt admitted that he has seen significant improvements in Okami’s game over the last few years.
“His striking has improved quite a bit,” Marquardt said, adding, “he has really good pressure with his jab and once he backs guys up into the cage he does pretty well. I’ve seen a lot of improvements.”
With that said, Marquardt, one of the most potent knockout artists in the UFC, still feels that he will possess a significant advantage in the striking department come fight night.
“Most definitely. I feel like I have a world of experience over him in the striking arena and my finishing power is much greater than his,” Marquardt said. “If I try to just blitz him, that’s going to fall right into his game for sure, but at the same time I have to find a way to do damage to him, so I have to find the spots to do that.”
Marquardt takes out Demian Maia at UFC 102 in 2009 | Source: MMAWeekly.com
When handicapping the fight, many analysts have cited Okami’s significant strength as a point of distinction that separates him from other fighters in the division. Marquardt, however, is not concerned.
“There are ways to deal with someone who tries to impose his strength on you,” Marquardt said. “I have to utilize a lot of movement whether it’s on the outside or in the clinch; good, technical movement allows you to get into better positions. My technique allows me to fend off someone as strong as Shane Carwin, so I don’t think it’s going to be an issue with Okami.”
While Okami is known as something of a grinder, Marquardt is one of the most consistent finishers in the promotion, but he admitted that he would have to take care not to over-commit during the fight.
“There’s that line in every fight; that’s the whole dilemma,” Marquardt said. “If you’re too aggressive, it’s easier to get countered and if you’re not aggressive enough then you could get tagged. I’ve got to rely on my speed and fight knowledge to know when and how to launch each attack.”
The UFC has officially pegged this contest as a battle that will determine the next contender to the Middleweight Championship currently held by Anderson Silva. Asked how he felt he would fare under the added pressure, Marquardt said the pressure would only serve as added motivation and would not be a detriment to him.
“It’s actually very good for me because I work very well under pressure,” Marquardt said. “That’s when I perform the best because I’m a strong fighter mentally, so when the pressure’s on it forces me to be strong. Now that the title is on the line I’m reminded how badly I want to be the champion.”
Finally, Marquardt gave his official prediction for the fight.
“I believe in the second or third round I’ll be able to find an opening and get the knockout,” Marquardt said.
The winner of Saturday night’s title eliminator will face off with the winner of the February Silva/Vitor Belfort match sometime in 2011. It remains to be seen whether or not Marquardt will earn his long-awaited rematch with “The Spider”.
