Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nate Marquardt is coming back to the hexagon to put his 170-pound strap on the line against division number one contender Tarec Saffiedine at the upcoming Strikeforce event scheduled for Jan. 12, 2013, at a location to be named.

That's according to a report released earlier today from MMA Fighting.

Marquardt (32-10) took a year off from competition after his testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) gaffe nearly sank his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) headliner in Pittsburgh. After twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines, he was given a second chance under the Strikeforce banner, where he put on a "Great" performance against Tyron Woodley to usurp the throne.

Can "The Sponge" absorb it on fight night?

Saffiedine (13-3) is riding a three-fight winning streak since his 15-minute loss to "T-Wood" in early 2011; however, his victories over Scott Smith, Tyler Stinson and Roger Bowling have all come by way of decision. In fact, the Belgian brawler has only secured one finish in his previous nine fights.

That's not going to cut it against a giant 170-pounder like Marquardt.

The upcoming Strikeforce event on Showtime is expected to be headlined by Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion Daniel Cormier taking on an opponent to be named while middleweight kingpin Luke Rockhold defends his title against Lorenz Larkin.

For more on the upcoming Strikeforce "mega card" click here.