Nate Marquardt Signs with Strikeforce

Nate Marquardt is back in the Zuffa family.

Less than a year after his departure from UFC, Marquardt has signed a new deal with Strikeforce to compete in their welterweight division.

The announcement was made via UFC Tonight on Tuesday on Fuel TV.

According to the report, Marquardt has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce and he will compete at 170 pounds in 2012.

While there was no confirmation on his debut date or opponent, current expectations are for Marquardt to meet Tyron Woodley for the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title later this year.

Ironically enough, while Marquardt was released last year from his UFC contract after elevated testosterone levels kept him out of his scheduled fight at UFC on Versus 4 against Rick Story, the Colorado based fighter never actually competed in another promotion.

Marquardt was signed to the British promotion BAMMA and was expected to debut in February, but after multiple delays the fighter asked and received his release from the organization.

Now, Marquardt will return to the Zuffa family as a Strikeforce fighter and it appears he’ll be fighting for the welterweight title in his debut.

MMAWeekly.com will have more information on Marquardt’s debut date and opponent when they become available.

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