By FCF Staff

Former UFC contender Nate Marquardt has found a new home across the Atlantic, as today the British Association for Mixed Martial Arts has announced that it has signed the accomplished veteran to a contract. No details regarding Marquardt’s new deal were given. Information regarding the fighter’s BAMMA debut will be announced shortly.

“Offers came in from several fight promotions, but we felt that BAMMA was definitely the best fit,” Marquardt was quoting saying in a press release from the promotion. “They put on high-quality shows, stack their cards with top-level fighters, and sign those fighters to multi-fight deals.  They are also the only fight organization in the UK that implements PED testing. To be honest, that is one of the main reasons that we chose BAMMA. I want to prove to my fans and to the world that I’m the real deal and that I belong on top.”

The news comes just a few weeks removed from Marquardt’s dismissal from the UFC, following his inability to pass pre-fight medicals and compete as scheduled at the June 26^th, UFC Live on Versus 4 card. Marquardt and his management reported afterwards that the incident was due to hormone replacement therapy he has been undergoing, and a few days later, his suspension from the Pennsylvania  State Athletic Commission was lifted.

“As soon as we received word that the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission lifted Marquardt’s suspension we jumped at the chance to sign him,” BAMMA’s Liam Fisher added. “He is a top ranked contender and an asset to any promotion. Words cannot express how excited we are that Marquardt is now fighting under the BAMMA banner.”

Marquardt (31-10-2) hasn’t fought since March, when he worked his way to a unanimous decision win over Dan Miller at UFC 128. The 32 year-old decided to drop down to the welterweight division, and was scheduled to compete at 170lbs. on June 26^th.

Since then the veteran and his management have indicated that Marquardt will likely compete as a welterweight. BAMMA’s welterweight championship is currently vacant.

BAMMA’s next event is scheduled for September 10^th in Birmingham, England.