Tarec Robert Saffiedine is a Belgian former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight division of the UFC, Strikeforce, and DREAM promotions.
Known for his technical striking and precision, Saffiedine gained fame as the last Strikeforce Welterweight Champion before the promotion merged with the UFC.
Here we have Tarec Saffiedine’s net worth, prize money earnings, career, biography, and more.
Tarec Saffiedine’s Biography
| Name | Tarec Robert Saffiedine |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Brussels, Belgium |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight Class | Welterweight |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Fighting Style | Striking (Karate, Kickboxing), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Tarec Robert Saffiedine was born on September 6, 1986, in Brussels, Belgium. He began his martial arts journey with karate at the age of ten and later expanded his repertoire to include Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.
His well-rounded skills allowed him to transition smoothly into mixed martial arts (MMA), where he made a significant impact on the global combat sports scene.
Professional Career
Tarec Saffiedine made his professional MMA debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as a promising welterweight fighter. He gained significant attention while competing in Strikeforce, where his technical abilities were on full display.
One of the biggest highlights of his career came in January 2013, when Saffiedine won the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship after defeating Nate Marquardt via unanimous decision.
This was also the last fight in Strikeforce history, making Saffiedine the final welterweight champion of the promotion.
After Strikeforce was dissolved, Saffiedine transitioned to the UFC in 2014. He made an impressive debut by defeating Hyun Gyu Lim in a five-round unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 34, earning “Fight of the Night” honors.
Despite his early success in the UFC, Saffiedine struggled with injuries, which limited his activity.
He faced top-tier competition in the UFC welterweight division, including bouts against Rory MacDonald, Rick Story, and Dong Hyun Kim. While he experienced mixed results in these high-profile fights, his technical prowess and precision striking always made him a tough opponent.
Tarec Saffiedine faced Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Correia on June 17, 2017, in Kallang, Singapore. Saffiedine lost the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds.
Dos Anjos, a former UFC Lightweight Champion, used his pressure and striking skills to secure the victory, marking Saffiedine’s third consecutive loss in the UFC.
Saffiedine retired from professional MMA in 2017, finishing his career with a professional record of 16 wins and 7 losses.
Achievements
- Strikeforce Welterweight Champion (2013)
- Fight of the Night Honors (UFC Fight Night 34 vs. Hyun Gyu Lim)
- Competing in top-tier promotions like UFC, Strikeforce, and DREAM
Tarec Saffiedine’s Net Worth Details
Tarec Saffiedine’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025. His wealth was accumulated through fight purses, sponsorships, and performance bonuses during his MMA career.
Saffiedine’s earnings peaked during his time in Strikeforce and the UFC, especially with his title victory and main event appearances.
Prize Money Earnings
| Fight | Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Strikeforce Championship Fight vs. Nate Marquardt | Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine | $200,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 34 vs. Hyun Gyu Lim | UFC Fight Night 34 | $100,000 (including bonuses) |
| UFC Fight Night 111 vs. Rafael dos Anjos | UFC Fight Night 111 | $75,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1.0 million |
| 2021 | $1.2 million |
| 2022 | $1.3 million |
| 2023 | $1.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million |
Endorsements
Tarec Saffiedine has partnered with several brands throughout his career, particularly in the fitness and combat sports industry. He has been sponsored by combat sports gear brands like Hayabusa and Venum, and has worked with supplement companies during his active years in MMA.
MMA Records
| 23 matches | 16 wins | 7 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 1 |
| By submission | 5 | 0 |
| By decision | 10 | 6 |
FAQs
1. What is Tarec Saffiedine’s background and heritage?
Tarec Saffiedine was born on September 6, 1986, in Brussels, Belgium, to a Lebanese father and a Belgian mother. His father, an ophthalmologist and Taekwondo practitioner, emigrated to Belgium for studies. Saffiedine grew up in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and began training in martial arts at age 10, later incorporating diverse disciplines like Judo, Wing Chun, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into his skillset.
2. Why is Tarec Saffiedine nicknamed “Sponge”?
The nickname “Sponge” was given by one of his coaches due to his exceptional ability to absorb and learn techniques quickly. This trait became evident early in his career as he rapidly mastered striking, grappling, and hybrid martial arts styles.
3. What are Tarec Saffiedine’s major career achievements?
Saffiedine’s most notable achievement was becoming the final Strikeforce Welterweight Champion in 2013 after defeating Nate Marquardt. He also held a UFC Fight of the Night honor (2014) and Performance of the Night (2016). His professional MMA record stands at 16 wins and 7 losses.
4. How did Tarec Saffiedine start his MMA career?
Inspired by the Japanese manga series Tough and its depiction of martial arts, Saffiedine began training seriously at 16. He earned a black belt in Shihaishinkai Karate by 2005 and transitioned to MMA in 2007, fighting in regional European promotions before joining Strikeforce and later the UFC.
5. What fighting style is Tarec Saffiedine known for?
Saffiedine is recognized for his technical striking, particularly leg kicks, and his adaptability across disciplines. His style blends Shihaishinkai Karate (incorporating throws and ground fighting), Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a focus on distance management and precision.
6. What was Tarec Saffiedine’s most famous fight?
His 2013 victory over Nate Marquardt at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine is iconic. Saffiedine dominated with relentless leg kicks, leaving Marquardt’s leg severely damaged. The fight marked the final event in Strikeforce history and cemented his reputation as a strategic striker.
7. Did Tarec Saffiedine retire from MMA?
Yes. Saffiedine retired in 2017 after a unanimous decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night 111. His final professional record was 16–7, with notable wins over fighters like Jake Ellenberger and Hyun Gyu Lim.
8. What was Tarec Saffiedine’s connection to Lebanon?
Though raised in Belgium, Saffiedine expressed pride in his Lebanese roots and maintained family ties in Beirut and Tyre. He last visited Lebanon at age 15 and often voiced a desire to return, highlighting cultural pride during interviews.
9. Who were Tarec Saffiedine’s key training partners?
During his UFC tenure, Saffiedine trained with MMA legend Dan Henderson at Team Quest. He credited Henderson’s mentorship and the gym’s collaborative environment for refining his wrestling and fight IQ.
10. What is Tarec Saffiedine’s legacy in MMA?
Saffiedine is remembered as a pioneer for Belgian MMA and a technically gifted welterweight. His 2013 Strikeforce title win, tactical brilliance, and role in transitioning Strikeforce fighters to the UFC solidified his impact on the sport’s global growth during the 2010s. These FAQs provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of Tarec Saffiedine’s career, background, and contributions to mixed martial arts.
