Jake Ellenberger-Tarec Saffiedine targeted for UFC's January debut in Singapore

A welterweight matchup between perennial contender Jake Ellenberger (29-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and former Strikeforce champ Tarec Saffiedine (14-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is expected to headline the UFC’s January debut in Singapore.

MMAjunkie.com today learned from sources close to the event that both fighters have verbally agreed to the matchup and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.

The matchup is expected to serve as the headlining bout for the UFC’s Jan. 4 event in Singapore, which the company announced in August. Neither a venue nor broadcast plans for the event have yet to be announced.

Ellenberger is ranked No. 6 and Saffiedine No. 15 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie.com MMA welterweight rankings.

Ellenberger will try to get back on track after a unanimous decision loss in July to fellow contender Rory MacDonald at UFC on FOX 8 in Seattle. That setback snapped a two-fight winning streak for “The Juggernaut,” which came with a win over Jay Hieron and a “Knockout of the Night” win over former Strikeforce champ Nate Marquardt.

Saffiedine finally will make his UFC debut. He was expected to make his first appearance for the promotion at UFC on FOX 8 against Robbie Lawler, but he was forced out with an injury. The fight will be his first since winning Strikeforce’s final welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Marquardt at that promotion’s January finale. The Belgian, who trains at California’s Team Quest, will bring a four-fight winning streak into the bout.

For more on UFC in Singapore, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Tarec Saffiedine)