Last weekend at UFC 122, Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) lost to Yushin Okami (26-5) via unanimous decision to determine the #1 contender in the middleweight division. Follow the fight at the post fight press conference, Dana White referred to Marquardt as a choker, claiming “He choked tonight”. Pretty harsh words coming from the UFC president, but we have heard this from White.
Back in August, White proclaimed Kenny Florian (14-5) a choker in the big fights following his loss to Gray Maynard at UFC 118. The fight with Maynard determined the number contender in the lightweight division and a lackluster performance by Florian, prompted the outburst by White. Florian is 11-4 in the UFC, but each of those defeats has been for a title (0-2), #1 contender spot (0-1) or TUF 1 championship (0-1).
Like Florian, Marquardt hasn’t been able to win the big fight inside the octagon. Overall he is 9-4 in the UFC, but is (0-2) in #1 contender matches and having already lost a title fight to current champ Anderson Silva, White is giving Marquardt the “Florian” treatment.
What do you guys think of Josh’s commentary regarding Nate’s situation?-Rich
