MacDonald-Saffiedine welterweight scrap to headline UFC Halifax debut

A welterweight match up between two top ranked contenders was announced yesterday for the UFC’s first visit to Nova Scotia, Canada. The man who fought and won the welterweight title in the final fight in Strikeforce history, Tarec Saffiedine, will take on Rory MacDonald in a five round bout that will serve as the headliner for UFC Fight Night 54 on October 4th.

MacDonald, coming off arguably the most impressive win of his career against Tyron Woodley in Vancouver this past June, is currently sitting pretty at the #2 spot in the UFC.com welterweight rankings. Saffiedine, who has won his last four since his lost to Woodley under the Strikeforce banner a few years back, is ranked at #10. With the title currently around Hendricks waist and Robbie Lawler being booked for a rematch with ‘Big Rigg’, this match could end up deciding who the next man in line for shot at one of the most prestigious belts in the world of combat sports today is.

Although it hasn’t been officially announced, this fight will likely air on FOX Sports 1 with the preliminary portion of the card being shown exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.