Makdessi-Njoukani Lightweight Tilt Added to UFC 145

John Makdessi (right) will take on Anthony Njoukani at UFC 145. | Photo: Al Quintero

Promotion officials announced on Wednesday that lightweights John Makdessi and Anthony Njokuani have verbally agreed to meet on the March 24 bill at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The main card is set to air on pay-per-view, while the prelims will be shown on FX.

The still-developing fight card has eight anticipated fights at the moment, highlighted by Brendan Schaub taking on Ben Rothwell at heavyweight, Rory MacDonald against Che Mills at welterweight and Mark Hominick versus Eddie Yagin at featherweight.

Makdessi submitted to a rear-naked choke from Dennis Hallman at UFC 140, the first loss in 10 professional fights for Quebec native. A product of the Tristar Gym, Makdessi is known for his creative standup stylings and has earned seven of his nine career wins by knockout or TKO. He owns victories over Pat Audinwood and Kyle Watson in his UFC tenure.

Njokuani is coming off a hard-fought split-decision defeat to Danny Castillo at UFC 141. The Texas-based Nigerian was a WEC staple before it merged with the UFC, going 4-3 in seven bouts with the promotion. The muay Thai specialist dropped his Octagon debut to Edson Barboza at UFC 128 but rebounded to post a unanimous decision win over Andre Winner at UFC 132.