Hallman Cuts to 155; Meets Makdessi at UFC 140

John Makdessi (right) will meet Dennis Hallman at UFC 140. | Photo: Al Quintero

Sherdog.com confirmed the news with a source close to the contest following an initial report from MMADieHards.com on Thursday. UFC 140 will emanate from the Air Canada Centre on Dec. 10 and will also feature an important heavyweight confrontation between former champions Frank Mir and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Hallman recently had a two-fight winning streak snapped when he was knocked out by fellow veteran Brian Ebersole at UFC 133 in August. Prior to the defeat, “Superman” had earned victories over Ben Saunders and Karo Parisyan in 2010. Hallman's last appearance at 155 pounds came in 2001, when he challenged for Jens Pulver's lightweight title, falling to “Little Evil” by unanimous decision at UFC 33.

Makdessi has looked impressive in his two-fight UFC career thus far, outclassing both Pat Audinwood and Kyle Watson at UFC 124 and 129, respectively. Undefeated through nine pro contests, the three-year pro has earned seven of those victories by knockout. The 26-year-old stand-up specialist's most recent victory came against Watson in April, as he caught the American flush with a crushing spinning-back fist to end the fight in the third round.