Mississippi Code Title 85. Debtor-Creditor Relationship § 85-7-147

In all actions to enforce a lien granted by Section 85-7-131, the defendants, or any of them, by answer to the petition, may make any defense they may have against the demand of the plaintiff, and also any counterclaim against him touching the subject-matter of the suit. And should any defendant claim to have a lien upon the same property, for materials furnished or labor done thereon, he may present the lien by his answer; and the cause shall be at issue without a replication, and the parties shall be confined at the trial to the cause of action and defense set forth in the pleadings.