T.Saffiedine (photo) is looking forward to his UFC debut. Photo: Strikeforce/Disclosure
About to make his UFC debut at the beginning of next year, Terec Saffiedine believes the occasion will be a milestone in his career. The fighter, scheduled to face Jake ellenberger at the organization's first event in Singapore, he will be the first Belgian to step into the octagon.
In an interview with the North American website Bleacher Report, Saffiedine, the last Strikeforce welterweight champion, celebrated his arrival at the event. "I can barely wait. Being part of the UFC is incredible. I came from Belgium where MMA is not known and it is not possible to live off your passion as a martial artist. Getting here is surreal. It's very exciting for me. It’s a huge opportunity for my career and I’m very grateful for it,” he said.
Additionally, Saffiedine celebrated the fact that his first UFC fight will be in Asia. “I am honored to fight in Singapore. It will be very exciting to be able to show my skills because the fans will understand the striking game.”
For the confrontation with Ellenberger, Saffiedine carries out part of his training in California, in the United States, where he does several sparring sessions with Dan Henderson. “There are a lot of similarities between them, but Jake is a little different. I train with Dan all the time and he is helping me for this fight. Dan has a lot of power in his punches, and even though he's not that technical, he can imitate Jake's striking. It’s great to have him in my gym.”
The confrontation between Saffiedine and Ellenberger will be the main fight of UFC Fight Night 34, on January 4th. Another highlight of the night will be Tatsuya Kawajiri's debut at the event, in which he faces Brazilian Hacran Dias.
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