UFC 88 Preview: Martin Kampmann vs. Nate Marquardt

Martin Kampmann 13-1, 4-0 UFC vs. Nate Marquardt (26-8-2, 5-2 UFC)

The first televised bout of UFC 88 features the middleweights. Nate Marquardt is coming off a decision loss to Thales Leites mostly due him excessively breaking the rules. Nate is a solid grind em out fighter and after a four fight win streak got a title shot against Anderson Silva. Than he got knocked out. Marquardt will look to get back on the winning track by obeying the rules and relying on his wrestling.

Martin Kampmann is Danish and also ne of my favorites fighter goofy picture not withstanding. I believe his fight with Drew McFedries at UFC 68 illustrates the complexity and diversity of skill sets needed in mixed martial arts. If you ever want to show a new fan just how much can occur in an MMA fight show them this fight.

Unfortunately for Kampmann his knee decided to fall apart after the aforementioned fight. Martin was out of action for over a year. But he came back and won in impressive fashion at UFC 85 over Jorge Rivera. Kampmann always had technical striking though not a great deal of power. His submissions though are top class. If Kampmann's knee holds up I believe he can win this fight. The odds are Kampmann +110 and Marquardt -150.

Pick: Martin Kampmann win via submission round 2. (My pick is a homer pick sorry)