Tarec Saffiedine makes his UFC debut on Jan. 4 in Marina Bay, Singapore, when he meets Jake Ellenberger in the main event of UFC Fight Night 34. The last Strikeforce welterweight champion has an eye on the UFC title, and he hopes to earn a shot at the belt after his first UFC win.
Georges St-Pierre puts his UFC title on the line against Johny Hendricks on Nov. 16, and Saffiedine believe the belt won’t change hands when they collide at UFC 167.
“Johny is really tough, he has big heavy hands and good wrestling, but GSP is a technical level above him,” Saffiedine told MMAFighting.com. “Hendricks wants to brawl, but GSP uses his footwork and jab. GSP hasn’t fought a southpaw, so we’ll see how he reacts to that. Maybe I’m wrong, I don’t think he did. But GSP wins the fight.”
Hendricks, a decorated collegiate wrestler, enters the Octagon riding a six-fight win streak, including three knockout wins. On the other hand, St-Pierre hasn’t lost in 10 consecutive title fights.
“I think Johny Hendricks has knocked a lot of people out because they stand in front of him, they didn’t move,” he said. “I believe GSP will use his footwork, so I believe Johny Hendricks is gonna have to use his wrestling to control him.”