• UFC on Fox 8

Robbie Lawler to welcome Saffiedine to the UFC

ESPN staff
April 12, 2013
Tarec Saffiedine beat Nate Marquardt in his last outing © Getty Images
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A UFC welterweight fight between former Strikeforce standouts Robbie Lawler and Tarec Saffiedine has been booked to a UFC on Fox event on July 27.

The promotion confirmed the news on Thursday, following an initial report by MMAjunkie.com. The bout will take place at KeyArena in Seattle.

Lawler (20-9) will look to build off a major knockout win over Josh Koscheck at UFC 157 in February. The fight was Lawler's first in the Octagon since 2004 and marked his return to welterweight following a lengthy campaign at 185lbs.

A 12-year veteran, Lawler is 5-5 in his past 10 appearances. During that stretch, he's knocked out the likes of Melvin Manhoef, Matt Lindland and Koscheck. A loss to Ronaldo Souza in January 2011 cost him a chance at holding the Strikeforce title.

Saffiedine (14-3) capitalised on his opportunity at the Strikeforce belt, defeating Nate Marquardt in the promotion's final main event in January. Saffiedine rides a four-fight win streak into the Octagon, all of which came via decision.

The UFC has not yet announced a main event for July 27. Another high-profile welterweight bout between Jake Ellenberger and Rory MacDonald is confirmed for the card.

This article originally appeared on ESPN.com

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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