Strikeforce had it’s last hurrah Saturday night with a mismatch heavy fight card. The first four fights went as expected with Jacare, Mousasi, Barnett, and Cormier all winning their bouts handily. But, in the headlining bout, Tarec Saffiedine, a 3-1 underdog, outstruck Nate Marquardt to become the final Strikeforce Welterweight champion. Throughout the 25 minute fight, Tarec punished Nate’s legs with consistent and well timed leg kicks. BE’s own Jack Slack broke down how Saffiedine was so effective with the low kicks. By the end of the fight, Marquardt’s left thigh was covered with bruises and his mobility significantly limited by the blows.
On Sunday, Marquardt posted photos to his Twitter account showing how his leg is holding up:
Swelling has gone down from last night believe it or not. Should’ve checked those kicks!
Despite the beating his lead leg took, Marquardt was not given a medical suspension by the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission. Prior to the fight, many were looking forward to his return to the UFC after being released by the promotion in the summer of 2011. The loss may hurt him in negotiations, but it seems likely that he’ll be joining Tarec and the other Strikeforce fighters moving over now that the former #2 promotion has closed it’s doors.