Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nate Marquardt will put his 170-pound strap on the line against number one contender Tarec Saffiedine at the upcoming Strikeforce event scheduled for January 12, 2013.

Nate Marquardt (32-10-2 MMA) won the Strikeforce welterweight belt in his promotional debut when he knocked out Tyron Woodley in July. The Woodley bout served as Marquardt’s return fight, this after taking a year off from competition following his testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) gaffe with the UFC.

Tarec Saffiedine (13-3 MMA) comes into the title fight riding a three-fight win streak. Since losing a decision to “T-Wood” in early 2011, Saffiedine has reeled off victories over Scott Smith, Tyler Stinson and most recently Roger Bowling in August.

The January event will mark Strikeforce’s first card since August 2012, as executives were forced to cancel back-to-back shows in September and November due to fighter injuries.

Stay tuned to bjpenn.com for further updates.