UFN 19 Preview: Nate Quarry vs. Tim Credeur

Nate "Rock" Quarry (11-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Tim "Crazy" Credeur (12-2, 3-0 UFC)

The Story So Far

Nate Quarry returns to the Octagon after viciously beating down Jason Macdonald to face TUF 7 contestant Tim Credeur in an intriguing Middleweight match-up.

The "Rock" has had one of the most up-and-down careers of any athlete to step foot in the UFC.  Quarry was one of the blue-chip prospects coming off of the inaugural TUF season, in which his run was cut short due to sustaining an ankle injury.  Rebounding from that injury, Quarry earned a title shot with then-champ Rich Franklin after an impressive run of three consecutive first round stoppages.  Unfortunately for Quarry, the dream of a title shot quickly turned into a nightmare as he was posterized by a straight left that knocked him out cold and left him looking like a human crucifix. 

Following that devastating loss, Quarry underwent potentially career-ending surgery to repair a chronic back injury and many wondered whether he'd ever fight again.  After a two year layoff, he successfully returned to knockout Pete Sell at UFN 11 in a highly entertaining affair followed by the infamous Kalib Starnes fight/track meet at UFC 83.  Seven months later, Quarry was outclassed by Demian Maia succumbing to a rear naked choke just minutes into the opening stanza.  

Coming into this bout after knocking "The Athlete" out of the UFC with a masterful performance at UFC 97, Quarry is looking to get back into Middleweight title contention with a strong showing against Credeur, who is thus far undefeated in the Octagon.

Credeur made a deep run in the seventh season of The Ultimate Fighter before eventually losing to Jesse Taylor in the semifinals.  After "JT Money" was kicked off of the show, Credeur was brought back to face CB Dolloway in order to determine who would face Amir Sadollah at the finale.  In a tightly contested bout, Credeur eventually lost via unanimous decision.  Since that bout, Credeur has rattled off three consecutive victories of which none have gone to the judge's scorecards. 

Conventional Wisdom   

This is a fight Nate Quarry should win. 

Tim Credeur represents a step down in competition for Quarry who easily handled the self-proclaimed "TUF Killer" his last time out.  Meanwhile, Quarry is a significant step up in competition for Credeur, who has racked up three straight wins against names like Catone, Yarbrough and Loughran.

Standing up the advantage goes to Quarry, but his shaky submission defense does give Credeur an outside chance at victory.  If Credeur can use his underrated wrestling ability to get the Rock down on the mat he may be able to secure the victory.

WKR Analysis

There's no doubt that a win for either man moves them up the 185-lb ladder.  Unfortunately for both of these guys, picture that ladder going from the ground up to the top of the Empire State Building.  Nate Quarry and Tim Credeur are around the 45^th floor and on top of that mofo is King Kong in the form of Anderson Silva. 

In order for Credeur to win, he needs to dictate the pace with his wrestling and clinch work.  Credeur should look to take Quarry to the ground and wear him down before attempting to finish the fight with a submission.  A win over a former title contender would do wonders for Credeur's career and he knows it.  Look for him to come out confident and aggressive and really push the pace.  

Using his superior boxing ability, Quarry should be able to pick Credeur apart on the feet and he has a solid enough wrestling base to be able to stuff Credeur's takedown attempts.  Quarry should be looking for the highlight reel KO to offset any lack of respect that may come from beating a castoff of one of the weakest TUF seasons in history.

Fun Fact

Nate Quarry grew up as a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.