For the first time ever, the UFC presents a main event featuring two fighters who are both on a run of back-to-back losses. Despite this, Te Huna vs Marquardt presents an interesting scenario nonetheless. UFC Fight Night 43 takes place in Auckland, New Zealand this Saturday on June 28, and will be headlined by an interesting middleweight contest that pits former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nate Marquardt against New Zealand’s own James Te Huna who makes the drop to 185lbs for the first time having previously made a name for himself in the light-heavyweight division.
Following a run of three consecutive defeats to welterweight contenders Tarec Saffiedine, Jake Ellenberger, and Hector Lombard; Marquardt (32-13-2) returns to the UFC middleweight division where he once competed as a title challenger to Anderson Silva back in 2007. Marquardt’s last middleweight victory came in 2011 with a unanimous decision win over Dan Miller, he then went on to part ways with the UFC and compete under the Strikeforce banner as a welterweight where he knocked out Tyron Woodley to claim the 175lb title, of which he would later lose to Saffiedine.
Similarly, Te huna (16-7) himself is also looking for a return to winning ways, his drop to middleweight comes as a result of back-to-back loses against Glover Teixeira and former champion Mauricio Rua. Te Huna was a breakthrough name at 205lbs with a four-fight win streak including two first round knockouts and a thrilling war with Ryan Jimmo that went the distance at UFC on Fuel TV: Barao vs McDonald on Feb.16, 2013 in London. The 32-year-old was approaching top contender status before falling victim to Teixeira who would go on to challenge Jon Jones for the 205lb crown.
In the co-main event, Australia’s Soa Palelei meets Jared Rosholt in a heavyweight contest. Since departing the UFC in 2007, Palelei (21-3) posted a 10-1 streak to set up his return to the promotion last year. ‘The Hulk’ has since gone on a 3-0 tear with consecutive knockouts over Nikita Krylov, Pat Barry and Ruan Potts. Rosholt (10-1) is 2-0 in the UFC with a pair of unanimous decision victories against Walt Harris at the TUF 18 Finale, and Daniel Omielanczuk back in April.
With an NCAA Division I wrestling background, the American will likely pursue takedowns, however, despite being named ‘The Big Show’, Rosholt faces a larger man in the form of Palelei who boasts well over a decade of experience likely making the 6’4”, 264-pounder a hard target to take down. If Rosholt’s cardio holds up enough to push the assault and drain his 36-year-old opponent, he may secure those takedowns and drag out another decision victory, providing he avoids the early KO threat that Palelei is known for.
In addition, British leg lock specialist Ian Entwistle makes his UFC debut on the undercard against local favourite Dan Hooker – check out the preview HERE.
Main card (UFC Fight Pass at 5 a.m. ET)
James Te Huna vs. Nate Marquardt
Soa Palelei vs. Jared Rosholt
Hatsu Hioki vs. Charles Oliveira
Robert Whittaker vs. Mike Rhodes
Undercard (UFC Fight Pass at 2:30 a.m. ET)
Jake Matthews vs. Dashon Johnson
Richie Vaculik vs. Roldan Sangcha-an
Chris Indich vs. Vik Grujic
Neil Magny vs. Rodrigo Goiana de Lima
Dan Hooker vs. Ian Entwistle
Gian Villante vs. Sean O’Connell
