For former Strikeforce champion Nate Marquardt, UFC Fight Night 43 from Auckland, New Zealand was just what he needed. Marquardt met James Te Huna in the main event on Fight Pass early Saturday morning, scoring a first round armbar submission victory.
Marquardt was coming off three straight losses and in need of a strong showing. He decided to move back to middleweight for this fight after setbacks vs. Hector Lombard and Jake Ellenberger via first round knockout last year.
Jared Rosholt was the winner in the co-main event, scoring a decision at heavyweight over Soa Palelei. Charles Oliveira and Robert Whittaker also claimed main card wins.
Bonuses were awarded to Marquardt and Oliveira for their “Performance of the Night,” while the opening bout on the prelims between Gian Villante and Sean O’Connell earned the “Fight of the Night.” All four picked up an additional $50,000. The attendance was announced at 8,089 with a live gate of $913,000.
The UFC is not down today, though, as UFC Fight Night 44 airs on FOX Sports 1 tonight featuring a main event between Cub Swanson and Jeremy Stephens.
Nate Marquardt def. James Te Huna via submission (armbar) at 4:34 of Round 1
Jared Rosholt def. Soa Palelei via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Charles Oliveira def. Hatsu Hioki via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:32 of Round 2
Robert Whittaker def. Mike Rhodes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jake Matthews def. Dashon Johnson via submission (triangle choke) at 3:16 of Round 3
Richie Vaculik def. Roldan Sangcha-an via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Vik Grujic def. Chris Indich via TKO (strikes) at 4:55 of Round 1
Neil Magny def. Rodrigo de Lima via KO (punch) at 2:32 of Round 2
Daniel Hooker def. Ian Entwistle via TKO (strikes) at 3:34 of Round 1
Gian Villante def. Sean O’Connell via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
