Nate Marquardt Vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama Scheduled For UFC 128

It seems as if Chael Sonnen's loss has turned into Nate Marquardt's gain.

Following Sonnen's guilty plea for money laundering, word has come from ESPN.com that Nate Marquardt will now be facing off against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128 on March 19th. The two middleweights are both looking to get back into the win column following their most recent setbacks.

Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) is coming off of a disappointing decision loss to Yushin Okami at UFC 122 that cost him a shot at title holder Anderson Silva.  Prior to that, he defeated Rousimar Palhares in a rather controversial bout marred by Palhares claiming that Marquardt was greasing his legs.  The submission master later backed off of those claims.

Akiyama (13-3, 2 NC) hopes to get back into the win column following back to back losses to Chris Leben and Michael Bisping.  The Japanese star could be fighting for his roster spot, as three straight losses has usually meant a pink slip from the organization.  Akiyama is known for his exciting style, as he will often neglect to use his extensive judo background and instead decide to get into brawls. 

The fight can be expected to have a slot on the main card.  UFC 128 is shaping up quite nicely.

Mauricio Rua vs. Rashad Evans (Light Heavyweight Title)

Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland

Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus

Brendan Schaub vs. Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic

Nate Marquardt vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama

Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Njokouani

Kurt Pellegrino vs. Gleison Tibau

Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland

Ricardo Almedia vs. Mike Pyle