UFC vet Kyle Watson will make his first appearance on a Cage Warriors card in 2012, with the Illinois lightweight signing up for CWFC Fight Night 3 on February 9.

Watson (13-7-1), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, will appear on the card for what will be Cage Warriors’ third visit to the Middle East at a venue that will be announced shortly.

The 32-year-old featured on season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter last year and made it to the semi-finals – beating Cage Warriors contender Joseph Duffy along the way – before losing out to Jonathan Brookins on a decision.

Watson went on to defeat Sako Chivitchian via unanimous decision at the TUF 12 finale in Las Vegas just over 12 months ago.

He faced John Makdessi at UFC 129 back in April and in the third round of a close fight, Watson lost via KO when he was hit by a spinning backfist.

Watson hasn’t fought since that loss but fans in the Middle East will have a chance to witness his return to action in February.