Nate Marquardt becomes the new Strikeforce welterweight champion, delivers fourth round TKO to Tyron Woodley
Former UFC middleweight title contender, Nate Marquardt made his welterweight debut with Strikeforce tonight in Portland, Oregon, picking up the vacant 170 pound title in the process, defeating Tyron Woodley via TKO in the fourth round to make a statement.
Woodley kicks to the body before landing quick kicks to the legs. Big right hand from Woodley lands behind the ear that has Marquardt in a little trouble. Woodley looks for a takedown but Marquardt defends well. The two men exchange knees. Marquardt with the big right this time dumps Woodley to his back. Marquardt attempts a guillotine but Woodley spins out and the two men regain their feet. Marquardt looks to keep the pressure on and presses Woodley up against the fence. Knee to the head from Woodley before circling away. Marquardt lands a right hand again but Woodley quickly ties him up. Marquardt takes control against the fence before pressing forward to end the round. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Marquardt.
The two men come out at a slower pace as Marquardt stalks his foe. Spinning back-fist from Woodley lands, as does a straight right hand. Inside leg kick from Marquardt. Right hand lands to the jaw of Woodley who ties his foe up momentarily. Nice leg kick from Marquardt lands. Another leg kick from Marquardt does damage. Spinning back kick partially lands from Marquardt. Nice combination from Marquardt before scoring with a trip takedown. Woodley has full-guard before getting back to his feet. The two men trade bombs. Marquardt again pushes forward to end the round. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Marquardt.
Woodley with a nice combination backs Marquardt up. Big right hook from Woodley sees Marquardt drop to the canvas. Marquardt looks to control the posture of Woodley as he eats shot after shot. Marquardt spins for an arm-bar but Woodley escapes. Woodley goes to work with ground and pound from the closed guard of Marquardt. The action slows a little and the referee returns them to the feet. The two men begin to exchange on the feet once again but it’s much more even in this one. Marquardt looks to land the kicks but they aren’t doing a massive amount of damage. Nice flurry from Marquardt before pinning Woodley on the fence. Elbow on the inside from Marquardt lands. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Woodley.
Marquardt comes out landing at will in the fourth round, scoring with single shots and combinations. Marquardt has upped the pace as he looks to test the cardio of the undefeated welterweight. Big combination from Marquardt including a vicious elbow drops Woodley. He’s out…
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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