UFC 140 Highlights: Walel Watson Will Be Force in UFC Despite Loss to Jabouin

Tonight's UFC 140 preliminary bouts kicked off with a bantamweight matchup between Yves Jabouin (17-7) and Walel Watson (9-3).

The two are both relatively new to the UFC.

This fight was just the third for Jabouin and the second for Watson.

The most intriguing aspect of this fight was that it showed signs of resembling tonight's main event between Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida.

Watson had an extreme size and reach advantage. He towered over Jabouin by five inches and used this difference to his advantage.

Jabouin is known for being more of a pure striking specialist.

However, it was difficult for him to get inside on Watson without being countered by strikes from his long arms and legs.

It appeared that the first round finished about even. Both fighters were feeling one another out and exchanging strikes.

In the second round Watson capitalized with about 15 seconds remaining. Using his long legs to get into a full guard, he locked in a guillotine choke that nearly ended the fight.

In the third round he once again utilized his size to get the advantage locking in a Darce Choke.

Again though, Jabouin managed to escape and take the fight the distance.

The judges ruled the bout a win for Jabouin by split decision. It's a result that is easily debatable.

Win or lose, this fight showed the potential that Watson has as a fighter in the UFC. His size is a huge advantage in the bantamweight class.

At this point in his career, he is still very raw. With more practice and work, he can become a force to be reckoned with.