Nate the Great has something to Prove - Marquardt vs. Gouveia
by Corey E
UFC betting: Marquardt vs. Gouveia
This weekend, UFC betting sharps will get the chance to see a lot of great fighters attempting to elevate their game, and their status to elite level. Luckily for them, the UFC 95 betting card will be available live on Spike TV this Saturday, and mixed martial arts fans can enjoy bouts featurng big names such as Josh Koscheck, Diego Sanchez and Joe Stevenson. After the terrific success that was UFC: Bisping vs. Leben, Dana White decided to bring his show back across the pond, and has really stacked the deck.
But of all the names mentioned, there's perhaps no greater talent on the card than Nate "The Great" Marquardt. The former Pancrase champion will take on Wilson Gouveia in a middleweight bout, as he attempts to climb back up the middleweight rankings.
After losing to Anderson Silva, Marquardt is working to rebuild his reputation amongst UFC betting experts. He changed their minds in a big way, absolutely destroying Martin Kampmann at UFC 88, dismissing him in under 90 seconds. To put it in perspective just how dangerous Marquardt can be, Georges St. Pierre's camp brought him in to train with the champion in preparation for his bout against B.J. Penn last month. The two are best friends, and thus, Marquardt has access to his expertise and skills when preparing for his fights as well.
His opponent on Saturday, Wilson Gouveia, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who is coming off an impressive victory over Canadian prospect Jason MacDonald at the Ultimate Fighter 8 finale. He also possessed victories over Jon Fitch, Seth Petruzelli (of Kimbo Slice knockout fame), and Jason Lambert. The majority of his triumphs have come via submission, which would suggest to those evaluating UFC odds that Marquardt will be trying to keep the fight to a stand-up contest.
Dana White has reaffirmed his belief in Marquardt by renewing his contract midway through last year, suggesting that he has at least one pay-per-view headlining card in mind for 'The Great.'
Marquardt could be in line for a title shot at middleweight, or perhaps lightweight, if he can win this fight handily. He is a proven striker, and has improved his stand-up game tremendously through boxing work with St. Pierre and his camp. Gouveia's skills with his fists and feet are fairly limited compared to an elite fighter's, and will struggle to make it out of the first round.
The Pick: Marquardt
