Nate Marquardt confirmed on the MMA Hour Tuesday that his shock suspension ahead of UFC on Versus 4 was a consequence of underdoing hormone replacement therapy.
According to Marquardt, he noticed issues consistent with low testosterone late last summer and was subsequently approved for hormone replacement therapy. In March 2011, he fought Dan Miller on a medical exemption for testosterone that was filed with the New Jersey athletic commission.
He remained on the therapy in advance of his scheduled Sunday bout with Rick Story, which was set to headline UFC on Versus 4, but his testosterone levels spiked and he was unable to be cleared by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission.
Marquardt apparently remained hopeful that his testosterone would drop in time for the fight, but as of Saturday, he was still declared ineligible, which resulted in the bout with Story being scrapped. Charlie Brenneman stepped in as a late replacement for the fighter, who was suspended by the PSAC.
Meanwhile, UFC President Dana White expressed “disgust” over the situation (presumably more about Marquardt’s knowledge of his risk ahead of Sunday’s fight and how he handled it) and released the fighter from his deal with the promotion.
Assuming Marquardt can prove his testosterone levels have appropriately dropped, his suspension with the PSAC is expected to be lifted. Whether he will get another chance with UFC remains to be seen.
