Tom Watson to make UFC debut against Brad Tavares on Fuel TV

Tom Watson landing a head kick in MFC

The UFC has signed British middleweight Tom Watson. He is set to make his promotional debut against Brad Tavares at UFC on Fuel TV 5. The card takes place Sept. 29 at Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England.

Watson was widely considered one of the best middleweights unsigned by Zuffa. The Southampton native has fought for MFC, BAMMA and UCMMA. Between 2008 and 2012 he went 11-1 with his only defeat coming against TUF veteran Jesse Taylor. During the stretch, "Kong" defeated Matt Horwich, Alex Reid and Pride FC veteran Murilo "Ninja" Rua. His 2010 head-kick knockout of Travis Galbraith was considered one of the best finishes of that year.

Tavares made his UFC debut with a decision victory over Seth Baczynski after competing on a season of "The Ultimate Fighter." He has built a 3-1 record in the promotion with his only career defeat coming against Aaron Simpson at UFC 132. In his last fight, the Hawaiian defeated Dongi Yang on the undercard of UFC on Fuel TV: "Korean Zombia vs. Poirier."

In the main event, heavyweight Stipe Miocic takes on the toughest test of his career as he meets Stefan Struve. Also on the card, former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy takes on TUF champion Amir Sadollah.