UFC Live: Kongo v. Barry: Marquardt Cut

King of Pancrase Nate Marquardt is not fighting after failing to receive medical clearance. People are speculating it was steroids (given Marquardt’s past issues) and Dana White is pissed.

“He didn’t pass his medicals,” White said of Marquardt. “He’s cut. He’s done with the UFC. I’m disgusted with him and he has no business fighting in the UFC.”

Jeez. Charlie Brenneman, a Spanish teacher and hometown favorite, will fill in for Marquardt. Rick Story’s been really tough lately so he’s going to be a longshot.

Tuned in a little early and Versus has a nice live pre-fight show going on with Stephan Bonnar and Ariel Helwani, who are a real breath of fresh air after watching Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo spend three hours without saying anything intelligent at the last Strikeforce event.

Really deep card for a free show. Should be some great fights tonight. They’re showing the results of the pre-taped fights, which is cool. I hope that we get to see them.