The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission (PSAC) has voted to lift the suspension of former UFC middleweight contender Nate Marquardt, following an announcement from commission executive director Greg Sirb. The decision ends a long and difficult transition period during which the 32-year old faced immense scrutiny for his actions.
Marquardt's trouble initially began after he was infamously forced to withdraw from his headlining bout against Rick Story at UFC Live 4 the day before the event was scheduled to take place. The stunning development sent shockwaves throughout the UFC, enraging President Dana White enough to cut the acclaimed veteran from the promotion on the spot.
Afterwards, results of a pre-fight test indicated that Marquardt had tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone, and thus had been forced off the card. Reports soon came out explaining that the fighter had been undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for a year due to symptoms of low testosterone. Marquardt fought three times within the UFC while taking the hormone.
Following the June 26th event, the former King of Pancrase was suspended indefinitely by the PSAC. Wednesday morning that suspension was lifted. Marquardt's team released this statement once the announcement was official.
"Today Nate Marquardt was taken off suspension by the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission. This comes less than three weeks after not being medically cleared to fight at UFC on Versus 4 in Pittsburgh and being placed on suspension. Nate is no longer restricted from fighting in any jurisdiction and is looking forward to competing in mixed martial arts again as soon as possible.
"He is currently fielding a large number of offers from several MMA promotions and is excited at the wide range of options he has before him. Nate is still one of the best MMA fighters in the world and will resume his career in the sport after deciding which venue is right for him. He felt very comfortable with the drop to welterweight and will most likely compete in that weight class. Nate would like to thank his sponsors, family, and friends who supported him through this difficult time."
Now that he is free to sign with another organization, Marquardt is sure to find no lack of suitors. In particular, the former middleweight contender is receiving piqued interest from U.S. based promotion, Bellator Fighting Championships. Both Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard and welterweight champion Ben Askren have stridently called out the UFC veteran throughout the past two weeks.