The race for title contention in the UFC's welterweight division has been on fire in 2014, and Rory MacDonald and Tarec Saffiedine have been scrapping their way toward a championship opportunity. Both have been building momentum as of late, picking up big wins in crucial fights, and it appears their paths are set to cross in the coming months.
On Thursday, the UFC announced via Twitter (h/t MMA Fighting) MacDonald vs. Saffiedine will serve as the main event for Fight Night 54, which takes place in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Oct. 4. The headlining bout will feature a collision between two of the top-ranked welterweights in the sport and will hold heavy implications on the title hopes of both fighters. The event will also mark the UFC's return to Canada—a market that has come under scrutiny in recent months.
While Canada has been a popular destination for the organization over the past decade, events north of the border have been scarce in 2014. The organization's most recent event held on Canadian soil was UFC 174 in Vancouver, and UFC Fight Night 54 will come four months after the show in British Columbia. The UFC was in talks to have Toronto host the Jon Jones-anchored UFC 178 in September but ultimately opted to hold the event in Las Vegas.
Yet, the promotion has a passionate following from its Canadian fanbase, and slotting Montreal resident MacDonald in the main event is certainly a nod in that direction. Ares has found success in seven of his last eight showings, with his two most recent victories coming over Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley, respectively. His win over Woodley at UFC 174 back in June put the surging contender within striking distance of a long-awaited title opportunity.
There will be potential for similar gains on Saffiedine's side of the table.
The last man to hold the Strikeforce welterweight title battled through a lengthy layoff due to injury to make a successful promotional debut against Hyun Gyu Lim at UFC Fight Night 34 in Singapore. Sponge looked impressive throughout the five-round affair as he picked up his fifth consecutive win and solidified himself as a major player in the welterweight collective.
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
