Jeremy Horn to Replace Injured Thales Leites Against Nate Marquardt at UFC 81

by Luke Thomas on Jan 9, 2008 2:51 PM EST in MMA News

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Wednesday announced that Jeremy Horn will make his return to the Octagon to face Nathan Marquardt on Feb. 2 at UFC 81.

Marquardt had been slated to face rising talent Thales Leites. The American Top Team fighter had to withdraw from the fight on Tuesday when it was announced that he had suffered a broken hand. According to UFC.com, Leites will have to undergo surgery to repair the injury.

UFC 81 will mark the first time that Horn has competed for the promotion since back-to-back wins over Trevor Prangley at UFC 56 and Chael Sonnen at UFC 60. Following his exit from the promotion in early 2006, Horn has gone 1-2 in his past three fights, defeating Falaniko Vitale and losing to Matt Lindland and, most recently, Jorge Santiago.

An excellent replacement for Marquardt, all things being equal. I've heard from folks who train with Jeremy that his skill is superb but his diet is atrocious. On top of that, he hasn't performed up to par in recent outings particularly given his loss to the talented, but very beatable Jorge Santiago. It was uncharacteristic Horn, if such a thing can be said.

He'll have his work cut out for him against Marquardt to put it mildly, but an in-shape motivated Horn is capable of pulling off the win here. Horn's stand-up is serviceable and his defense is excellent standing and on the ground. It's not as Marquardt is a caged bull stylistically, so I don't expect Horn to absorb a ton of damage here. And even if Marquardt wants to lead the charge with his wrestling, Horn is generally very comfortable off of his back.

Well done, Joe Silva. I am excited for this fight.

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