Various MMA media outlets, most notably MMAWeekly.com, are confirming that Nate Marquardt will indeed face Anderson Silva for the middleweight title at UFC 73 on July 7th. They have signed the contract for the fight, which will be the night’s main event.

Also on the undercard for the event will be a match between Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans. The contracts for this match have also been signed.

Silva won the belt from Rich Franklin at UFC 64 and was to defend the title at UFC 67 but Travis Lutter did not make weight and the fight was shifted to non-title. Marquardt is 4-0 inside the octagon since 2005 most recently beating Dean Lister at Fight Night 8 in January.

Rashad Evans has been on a tear during his MMA career failing to lose while winning 10 straight overall fights, 5 of which were in the UFC. Ortiz is coming off of a failed title shot in December against Chuck Liddell and will be looking to rebound.

Here is the complete card for UFC 73, currently rumored to be held in Las Vegas:

Anderson Silva vs. Nate Marquardt
Sean Sherk vs. Hermes Franca
Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans
Jorge Gurgel (?) vs. TBD

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Tags: Hermes Franca, Jorge Gurgel, Nate Marquardt, Rashad Evans, Sean Sherk, Tito Ortiz