Siyar Bahadurzada – Image via UFC.com
An injury to the final Strikeforce welterweight champ Tarec ‘Sponge’ Saffiedine (14-3) has taken the fighter out of an upcoming UFC on FOX 8 bout with ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler (20-9, 1NC) this July.
Replacing ‘Sponge’ will be Afghan mixed martial artist Siyar ‘The Great’ Bahadurzada (21-5-1).
Officials announced the change on Twitter (@UFC) earlier today.
– Another injury switch-up: @tarecfighter Saffiedine injured, @SiyarTheGreat Bahadurzada will now face @Ruthless_RL Robbie Lawler @UFConFOX 8
UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga is expected to take place on July 27, 2013 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The event will see flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson defend his title against top contender John Moraga on Fox television.
This bout was to have marked Saffiedine’s Octagon debut. The ‘Sponge’ is riding a four fight win streak which includes winning the Strikeforce title last January by defeating Nate Marquardt by decision.
Replacement fighter Bahadurzada had a seven fight win streak end in his second Octagon appearance losing by decision to Dong Hyun Kim last March at the UFC on FUEL TV 8 event. ‘The Great’ won his Octagon debut in April 2012 by stopping Paulo Thiago by knockout at UFC on FUEL TV 2.
Lawler made a successful return to the UFC as well as his return to welterweight at UFC 157 last February by stopping former contender Josh Koscheck by TKO. Prior to the win ‘Ruthless’ was 1-3 in his prior four Strikeforce bouts.