Montreal lightweight John Makdessi gets new opponent for UFC card in Nashville

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Makdessi (16-6-0) was supposed to meet Nasrat Haqparast, but the German has withdrawn because of injury.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).