The last reigning Strikeforce welterweight champion, Tarec Saffiedine, supports long-time UFC welterweight titleholder Georges St-Pierre’s decision to take an extended leave of absence, adding it should breathe some life into the weight class.
"He has nothing else to prove," Saffiedine told MMA Fighting. "He’s the champion for so long, he’s at the top. I understand that he needs to some time off, I guess, for whatever reason he claims.
“He was a great champion and now it’s going to be even more exciting for the welterweight division, for all the guys that want that belt."
The Team Quest standout posted a 4-1 mark inside the Strikeforce cage, Saffiedine won the promotion’s 170-pound championship belt when he battered Nate Marquardt for three rounds back in January.
“The Sponge” was expected to make his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 34 against fellow contender Jake Ellenberger next month; however, a late training injury forced him from the card.
This is the second setback in the past year for Saffiedine, who was originally supposed to square off with upcoming title challenger Robbie Lawler at UFC on FOX 8 in July, but a training injury also forced him from the fight.
Whether GSP is on the active roster or not, Saffiedine believes a road to the championship will be difficult.
"The welterweight division is so stacked, so many great fighters, and all the Top 10 are really tough," he also said to MMA Fighting. "It’s not easy to get a title shot, but I’m looking forward to that challenge.”