Former Strikeforce welterweight champion Tarec Saffiedine picked up a win in his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 34 on Saturday.
Originally booked to meet Jake Ellenberger, “Sponge” ultimately competed against replacement adversary Hyun Gyu Lim on the UFC Fight Pass-aired fight card. Battering the Korean with leg kicks over the first four rounds, Saffiedine was able to coast to a decision victory as he faded in the fifth stanza.
UFC Fight Night 34 also saw Japanese MMA star Tatsuya Kawajiri step into the Octagon for the first time in his career. Facing a dangerous prospect in Sean Soriano, “The Crusher” was able to pick up his first UFC win over the weekend.
As the UFC closes the books on its first 2014 fight card, here is a look at what should be next for Saffiedine, Kawajiri and the rest of the UFC Fight Night 34 competitors.