By FCF Staff

Former UFC middleweight contender Nate Marquardt is free to compete again, as today the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission has announced that the veteran has met all the necessary requirements to have his suspension lifted by the organization.

PSAC Eexecutive director Gregory Sirb confirmed to FCF today that Marquardt is “off suspension”, after Marquardt’s failed his pre-fight medicals shortly before he was scheduled to fight Rick Story at the June 26^th, UFC Live 4 card in Pittsburgh.  Marquardt’s testosterone levels were above the acceptable limits, and as a result of  his inability to compete as scheduled, the UFC released the veteran fighter.

Marquardt has since claimed that medically prescribed hormone replacement therapy was the causal factor behind his inability to pass his pre-fight medicals. Alchemist MMA, Marquardt’s management team, said the following in a statement released earlier.

“Today Nate Marquardt was taken off suspension by the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission. This comes less than three weeks after not being medically cleared to fight at UFC on Versus 4 in Pittsburgh and being placed on suspension. Nate is no longer restricted from fighting in any jurisdiction and is looking forward to competing in Mixed Martial Arts again as soon as possible.”

In regards to what’s next for Marquardt, there’s been speculation recently that the fighter has been in talks with Bellator, however, nothing official has been announced. The Alchemist statement added that Marquardt is “fielding a large number of offers from several MMA promotions” and that the veteran will most likely look to compete at welterweight, as he was scheduled to do on June 26^th.

Marquardt (31-10-2) last competed at UFC 128 in March, and scored a unanimous decision win over Dan Miller, after losing by UD to Yushin Okami at UFC 122 in November.

The 32 year-old-fighter is 6-4 in his last 10 fights.