Dennis Hallman defeated John Makdessi by rear naked choke at 2:58 in the first round.
Hallman immediately drove forward for a takedown, forcing Makdessi back and against the fence. Hallman quickly started landing punches to the face before taking Johm Makdessi’s back. Makdessi started throwing punches and referee Josh Rosenthal warned he’d stop the fight. Makdessi gave up mount and began breaking down the posture of Dennis Hallman. Hallman landed some big elbows from mount and Makdessi gave up his back. Dennis Hallman quickly sunk in the rear naked choke and Makdessi tapped with blood pouring out of his face.
Tonight was Dennis Hallman’s return to lightweight. He failed in his cut to 155, coming in two pounds heavy. He is now 3-2 since returning to the UFC. It was his first lightweight fight since fighting Jens Pulver at UFC 33. John Makdessi entered the fight as a top undefeated prospect in the UFC’s lightweight division. He is now 2-1 in the UFC and 9-1 overall.