Matt Brown To Face Former Strikeforce Champion Tarec Saffiedine


Coming off his sixth consecutive win at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen earlier this month, Matt Brown has already learned who his next opponent will be.

UFC president Dana White confirmed to Fox Sports that Brown will face former Strikeforce welterweight champion Tarec Saffiedine in his next fight.

White didn’t provide any details of the upcoming fight because Saffiedine is in the process of receiving medical clearance for an undisclosed injury. Saffiedine was expected to make his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler on July 27 at UFC on Fox 8, but was replaced with Siyar Bahadurzada, who also suffered an injury. Bahadurzada was then replaced by Bobby Voelker, who was knocked out at 0:24 in the second round.

Prior to UFC Fight Night 27 Wednesday, Saffiedine told MMA Fighting that he wanted the winner of the main event for his promotional debut.

“I’ll be watching this fight really closely on Wednesday, between Carlos Condit and Martin Kampmann,” Saffiedine said. “I really like those fighters, both of them would be good fights for me. I’d like to fight the winner of that fight.”

Saffiedine added, “They are both coming of losses, but I think Carlos looked good in those fights he lost. Martin got knocked out against Johny Hendricks. It’s going to be a war, I’m looking forward to watch it.”

The 26-year-old Belgian said he was hoping to fight in late December or early January. He said if he started training by the end of the September, he would have three months to prepare for a December fight.

“But if my rehab needs a little more time, maybe January [is better]. December 28 at UFC 168, would be the best time for me,” he said. “It’s been really, really frustrating. It makes me angrier, gives me more motivation for my next fight.”

Carlos Condit defeated Martin Kampmann by TKO at 0:54 in the fourth round.

Tarec Saffiedine may still get his wish to fight at UFC 168. White said he planned for Saffiedine and Matt Brown to face off in December. So far, there 168 is the only officially announced card for December, but at least two other events are likely.

[Photo credit: Matt Brown / Twitter]

Share this article: Matt Brown To Face Former Strikeforce Champion Tarec Saffiedine
More from Inquisitr