Canadian John Makdessi gets new opponent for UFC card in Nashville

John-Makdessi.-(Graham-Hughes/CP)

John Makdessi. (Graham Hughes/CP)

Montreal lightweight John (The Bull) Makdessi has a new opponent for the March 23 UFC Fight Night card in Nashville.

Makdessi (16-6-0) was supposed to meet Nasrat Haqparast, but the German has withdrawn because of injury. The Canadian will now face Peru’s Jesus (El Mudo) Pinedo.

Pinedo (16-4-1) was slated to tackle Chris (Gritz) Gruetzemacher in Nashville, but he too was injured.

The 22-year-old Pinedo has won seven straight, including his UFC debut last time out — earning a unanimous decision over Devin Powell in November in Buenos Aires.

Makdessi has won his last two and three of four. He is 9-6-0 in the UFC.

The main event at Bridgestone Arena pits No. 4 welterweight contender Stephen (Wonderboy) Thompson (14-3-1) against former lightweight champion Anthony (Showtime) Pettis (21-8-0).

[relatedlinks]

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.