Walel Watson

Walel Watson (born July 16, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist. A professional since 2008, he has fought in the UFC, Titan FC, and Tachi Palace Fights.

MMA career
Watson made his professional debut in 2008 for MMA Xtreme in Mexico at the age of 24. He lost his debut via submission, but went undefeated in his next 7 bouts and never going to the third round. Prior to joining the UFC, he amassed a record of 8 wins and 2 losses.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
In August 2011, it was announced that Watson signed with the UFC.

Watson's UFC debut took place against Joseph Sandoval on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6. He was successful in his debut, winning the fight early via TKO in the first round.

In his second fight, Watson faced Yves Jabouin on December 10, 2011, at UFC 140. After three close rounds Watson lost a controversial split decision.

Watson returned quickly to face T.J. Dillashaw on February 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 1. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Watson was defeated by Mitch Gagnon on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152 via first round rear naked choke.

After posting a 1–3 record inside the promotion, Watson was released from the UFC.

Post-UFC career
A short two months after his UFC release, Watson signed on to face Anthony Moore at Xplode Fight Series: Damage on November 17, 2012. He won the fight via first-round TKO. Watson then made a quick turnaround and faced Joey Apodaca at XFS: Vengeance on January 19, 2013. He won the fight via guillotine choke submission, just under twenty-seconds into the first round.

Watson faced Tom Niinimäki at Cage 23 on September 21, 2013. He lost the fight via kimura submission.

He then faced Rodrigo Almeida at CZ 46: Throwdown at The Rock on November 22, 2013. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. In his latest fight, Watson submitted William Joplin at Titan FC 28: Brilz vs. Davis on May 16, 2014.

Watson is expected to face Anthony Gutierrez at Titan FC 30 on September 26, 2014. Watson defeated Gutierrez by Submission in the first round.

On March 20, 2015, he faced Brett Johns for the inaugural Titan FC Bantamweight Championship at Titan FC 33. He lost the fight via submission in the second round.

Watson faced Ricardo Palacios at Golden Boy Promotions' inaugural MMA event on November 24, 2018. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

After a long layoff, Watson returned against Marvin Garcia on January 14, 2023 at LXF 8, winning the bout via first round guillotine. Less than two month later, Watson faced Serhiy Sidey for the BTC Bantamweight Championship at BTC 19 on March 18, 2023, losing the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.