![UFC Pride Legacy T-Shirt [Silver]](http://www.ufcstore.com/img/product/resized/619/00447906-645619_catl_100.jpg?k=f51b3b6f&pid=447906&s=catl&sn=ufcstore)
![Nike Junior Dos Santos Official UFC 160 Walkout T-Shirt [Blue]](http://www.ufcstore.com/img/product/resized/101/00452105-619101_catl_100.jpg?k=c6411bbc&pid=452105&s=catl&sn=ufcstore)
OBERHAUSEN, November 13 – Japan’s Yushin Okami has earned a shot at the world middleweight championship after a close three round unanimous decision victory over perennial contender Nate Marquardt in the UFC 122 main event at Konig Pilsener Arena on Saturday.
“Nate was a great fighter,” said Okami. “I’m ready for the championship.”
Scores were 30-27 and 29-28.
Okami shot first, looking for an early takedown, but Marquardt fought it off with a brief guillotine choke attempt before working his way into his opponent’s guard. Okami’s defense was airtight, and a second, even briefer, guillotine attempt allowed the Kanagawa native to get into the top position. From there, it was a stalemate and the two scrambled to their feet. Marquardt landed with a quick right as Okami shot in, but ‘Thunder’ was unmoved by the shot and he proceeded to pin Marquardt against the fence before taking him down just before the bell.
Marquardt threw Okami’s first takedown attempt of the second round aside easily, but his retaliatory single leg attempt came up empty as well. The two middleweight contenders then locked up against the fence, with Marquardt reversing Okami’s leg trip attempt and winding up on top. After Marquardt was able to land with some strikes, Okami scrambled to his feet and looked for his own takedown. It didn’t come, and the two separated, unable to make anything significant happen before the end of the stanza.
Early in the final round, Okami’s punches opened a cut under Marquardt’s right eye, and buoyed by his success, he began to chase the Wyoming native. For his part, Marquardt, who was beginning to look fatigued, tried to counter Okami’s advances, but as the round progressed, Okami appeared to have even more confidence in his striking as the crowd chanted his name. With under two minutes left, Marquardt began to pick up his pace, landing a few strikes before taking Okami to the mat. Okami got back to his feet quickly and resumed his stalking of Marquardt, who landed a hard counter right before the two locked up against the fence and traded knees until the end of the bout.
With the win, Okami improves to 27-5; Marquardt falls to 33-10-2.
Okami Decisions Nate, Earns Title Shot
The wait is over. After more than four years building his resume in the
UFC, Japan’s Yushin Okami has earned a shot at the world middleweight
championship. Watch all the fights again on UFCLive.com.
Sunday, May 26
2:00 PM
NZST
Las Vegas, Nevada
Media
Recent
Popular
Stefan Struve’s size, ever-evolving skills, and talent have made him one of the top heavyweight contenders. Entering this fight with a 4-fight winning streak a win over knockout artist Mark Hunt could make or break his title hopes.
2/03/2013
UFC 160 Ultimate Media Day at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino on May 23, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photos by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
23/05/2013
Four sluggers from two weight classes talk about their potential for KOs, title shots and bonus money: Junior dos Santos faces Mark Hunt at heavyweight while Donald Cerrone fights KJ Noons at lightweight.
23/05/2013
UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and challenger Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva are both bringing everything they've got to Saturday's main event.
23/05/2013
N. Diaz vs. R. Lawler, N. Diaz vs. K. Oishi, and D. Sanchez vs. B. Gassaway are featured in this episode of UFC Unleashed.
31/10/2005
UFC commentators Kenny Florian and Joe Rogan preview the two heavyweight bouts atop the UFC 160 fight card: Cain Velasquez vs. Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva and Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt.
3/05/2013
From pre-gaming to post-fight interviews, get an all-access look at the action inside Newark's Prudential Center for UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen.
28/04/2013
See some of the fastest fight finishes in UFC history!
21/07/2011
Comments