In a crowded UFC welterweight title picture, Tarec Saffiedine’s loss is Robbie Lawler’s gain.

Saffiedine, the last reigning Strikeforce champion who has won five straight fights, was set to square off with Jake Ellenberger at UFC 173, but the bout has again been disrupted due to an injury.

“The Sponge” was originally set to meet Ellenberger at UFC Fight Night 34 in January, but a hamstring pull forced “The Juggernaut” out of the event. Saffiedine instead battled Hyun Gyu Lim and won a hard-fought decision.

Filling in for Saffiedine, who did not disclose the nature of his injury, for the Memorial Day Weekend pay-per-view is Lawler, a recent title challenger.

The Strikeforce import lost a close decision to Johny Hendricks at UFC 171 two weeks ago, snapping a three-fight win streak since returning to 170 pounds.

Ellenberger, a perennial contender, is 8-3 in his past 11 bouts, but has come up short against fellow household names Carlos Condit, Martin Kampmann and Rory MacDonald.

“The Juggernaut” hopes to rebound here after a lackluster decision loss to MacDonald at UFC on FOX 8 in July.

Despite falling just shy of challenging for UFC gold, Ellenberger remains relevant in the title picture due to convincing wins over Jake Shields, Diego Sanchez and ex-Strikeforce champ Nate Marquardt.

Both Lawler and MacDonald are known for their heavy hands and propensity to stand and trade in the center of the cage, so this matchup all but promises fireworks for fight fans.

MMA Junkie first reported the bout on Friday.