TUF 12 participant Kyle Watson is targeted to fight undefeated John Makdessi at UFC 129. Speaking with MMAFA.tv, Watson discussed getting the news this past week.
“I was out of town and my coach sent me a message telling me I could breathe easier now. I was in. It is real now. I’m not fighting guys on the show. I’m fighting guys in the UFC.”
Watson, with a record of 13-6-1, won consecutive bouts on TUF12, losing only in the semifinals against the season winner Jonathan Brookins. Watson won a unanimous decision over Sako Chivitchyan at the finale.
Citing his involvement in TUF12 as an invaluable learning experience, Watson says it revealed holes in his game that he has since worked diligently on patching up in anticipation of his official debut in the octagon. Watson feels he has yet to show the fans what he is truly capable of.
“I got too comfortable being on my back instead of using aggression in the fights. I could have thrown up submissions or gotten more takedowns but I didn’t. I’m capable of it and I’m working with my coaches on the mental aspect of my game. I’m super self-critical. For instance, finishes can be exciting, but sometimes the way I do it is not. I have to work on that but it is something I can do.”
Being one of the more grounded and cool-headed participants on TUF 12, Watson intends to keep the same demeanor during his time with the UFC. It is an approach he likens to that of Georges St. Pierre (GSP), his coach on the show.
“I was a fan of Georges before the show, but during and after the show he became my favorite fighter. He couldn’t care less about camera time and he sincerely helped us all to be better athletes. When (fellow participant) Andy Main and I went up to visit him in the heart of his training camp he had guys like Rashad Evans and Roger Gracie working with him. We thought we might fall by the wayside but we couldn’t have been any more wrong; he included us in everything, introduced us to others like we were equals and did one-on-one work with us. He is an incredible guy.”
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