A striker's duel

Canadian John Makdessi is set to take on fellow lightweight Anthony Njokuani at UFC 145 in Montreal on March 24.

Both men are known for their dynamic and versatile striking skills, but recently lost bouts in which they were out grappled.

The Montreal native is coming off a first-round submission loss to Dennis Hallman at UFC 140. Makdessi was taken down immediately and controlled on the ground before being submitted with a rear-naked choke.

Makdessi (9-1 in MMA and 2-1 in the UFC) gained notoriety for his spinning backfist knockout of Kyle Watson at UFC 129. The 26-year-old trains with Firas Zahabi and Georges St-Pierre at the Tristar gym in Montreal.

Njokuani (14-6-1) is coming off a split decision loss to Danny Castillo at UFC 141 in a bout where he was out wrestled. The 31-year-old made a name for himself in the now-defunct WEC and has wins over Canadian Chris Horodecki, Bart Palaszewski and Andre Winner.

Makdessi is the fifth Canadian added to the card, which takes place at the Bell Centre. Rory MacDonald will fight British welterweight Che Mills; Mark Hominick takes on Eddie Yagin; Mark Bocek goes up against Matt Wiman; and Chris Clements makes his UFC debut against Keith Wisniewski.