Tarec Saffiedine Survives Tyler Stinson At Strikeforce: Rockhold Vs. Jardine

Tarec Saffiedine had to call on all his skills and strategic wiles to get past a dangerous Tyler Stinson at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine. Saffiedine began the fight intent on beating up Stinson on the feet. After nearly losing by knock out in the first. Saffiedine switched gears and spent the final two rounds taking Stinson down and earning the decision.

Official Results: Tarec Saffiedine defeates Tyler Stinson by split decision (29-28 Stinson, 30-27 Saffiedine, 29-28 Saffiedine).

Saffiedine started the first round outpointing Stinson with smooth striking, landing punches and kicks at will. Then he made the mistake of clinching up with the bigger Stinson and caught an elbow that rocked his world and nearly ended his night.

Once Saffiedine was hurt, Stinson was quick to follow up with punches, knees and kicks and had Saffiedine on the run for the almost the rest of the round. Suddenly at the end of the round Saffiedine locked on a choke and nearly had Stinson tapping.

Strikeforce: Rockhold Vs. Jardine
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In the second and third, Saffiedine took no chances and shot in for quick take downs on Stinson. It took him a while to do more than lay and pray but by the end of the second and most of the third, Saffiedine was landing sharp elbows to Stinson's face.

A late standup wasn't enough of a chance for Stinson but he still seemed to have Saffiedine intimidated on the feet as the fight ended.

The judges saw it in Saffiedine's favor though and the Belgian could be looking at a fight for the title with Tyron Woodley. Unfortunately Woodley beat Saffiedine only a few months ago in a not very exciting fight.