In the Cage – Nate Marquardt Returns to the UFC, T.J. Dillashaw Steps Up, Bellator 92 Card Set

Each day, The MMA Corner will provide a recap of results, event announcements, fight match- ups, and injuries/cancellations from throughout the world of MMA. 

After Rory MacDonald’s injury caused the UFC to bump Johny Hendricks to face Carlos Condit, UFC 158’s Jake Elleneberger was left without an opponent. That issue has been resolved now as former Strikeforce champ and longtime UFC veteran Nate Marquardt has stepped into face Ellenberger.

Marquardt is coming off a loss to Tarec Saffiedine in Strikeforce’s final event while Ellenberger’s last outing was a victory against Jay Hieron.

An undisclosed injury has forced Mitch Gagnon out of his scheduled UFC 158 contest with Issei Tamura. Replacing Gagnon will be former Ultimate Fighter runner up T.J. Dillashaw.

Since losing to John Dodson, Dillashaw has put together back-to-back wins. Tamura won his UFC debut via KO but lost to Raphael Assuncao after the Japanese fighter dropped to bantamweight

Bellator continues to roll on with its new deal with Spike TV. The promotion announced they will return to the Southern California area on March 7 with tournament fights abound.

The card will feature the featherweight and middleweight tournament semi-finals. Bellator’s March 7 event will take place from the Temecula Pechanga Resort and Casino.

Global Sports International has announced it will bring its Road to Glory series to New York City. The event will look to find the next great American kickboxer as eight welterweights will compete in an one-night tournament.

The winner of the tournament will receive a $20,000 prize as well as a multi-year contract with GLORY. The event is set to take place on March 22 at Capitale with doors opening up at 7 p.m. EST.