Jan 11 UFC 129 Rumors: Makdessi vs Watson

So it will by Kyle Watson who will most likely be the next opponent for rising star John "The Bull" Makdessi. Our sources, who helped us accurately deny the rumors that TUF Season 12 winner Jonathan Brookins was next up for Makdessi, have confirmed to us that a verbal agreement has been reached between the camps of Watson and Makdessi. Kyle Watson (13-6-1) was also a cast member of TUF Season 12, and was portrayed as the wily veteran who used his experience and technique to thwart his younger opponents. Kyle has won his last fights, including his 1st official UFC match against house member Sako Chivitchyan. Watson is very strong on the ground, but does he possess enough explosiveness or take down ability to get the young Bull down on the ground.

John Makdessi has yet to taste defeat in his professional MMA career, which includes his first win in the UFC at UFC 124 against Paut Audingwood. Makdessi was so spectacular in his debut match, that he even caught the attention of UFC President Dana White. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, White commented about how many fighters have to first get over the initial jitters when starting their UFC career, then paused, and remarked that all except for "the kid" in the opening match, which Ariel Helwani identified as Makdessi. Will John Makdessi be able to live up to those expectations? There is no doubt that Watson will not be an easy opponent. He is very tough, can take punishment, and has the patience and technique to get a submission should Makdessi panic when taken down.

Tags: Dana White \ John Makdessi \ Jonathan Brookins \ Kyle Watson \ UFC 129