Nearly 12 months since he became the final Strikeforce welterweight champion, Tarec Saffiedine will finally step into the Octagon. Originally scheduled to meet Jake Ellenberger, Saffiedine will now headline UFC Fight Night 34 opposite South Korean prospect Hyun Gyu Lim.
Although Lim has not met an opponent on Saffiedine’s level, he’s looked like a fighter with big potential, with knockouts in his first two UFC appearances. Competing much closer to home than Saffiedine, Lim may have the crowd on his side as he looks to shock everyone on Saturday.
This bout will either give Saffiedine a chance to introduce himself to UFC fans with a tune-up win or provide Lim a springboard into 170-pound title contention.
Here is a closer look at how Saffiedine and Lim match up in all areas.