John Makdessi Speaks: UFC Lightweight Contender Talks to RSR

Exclusive Interview by Kevin Nelson

“There’s always something to improve on so… my weakness is my strength and that’s to keep evolving as a fighter.” John Makdessi

UFC lightweight contender John Makdessi is 9-0 and one of the brightest fighters to come out of Canada. The Firas Zahabi pupil is quickly becoming a star in the lightweight division. At UFC 129, he knocked out Kyle Watson with a spinning backfist.

On any other event that might have been the talk of the paperview but that was the night Lyoto Machida crane kicked Randy Couture into retirement. Makdessi is set to face Dennis Hallman at UFC 140 by far the biggest test of his young career.

KN: Growing up, did you do any training in martial arts?

I started training at the age of 6 years old… I practice Taekwondo and competed in tournaments. That’s when I fell in love with fighting.

KN: What made you decide to have a career in MMA?

At that time, I was fighting in kickboxing and I started to follow MMA. Kickboxing was dying out, so that’s when I decided I was going to go find a gym and pursue MMA… I believe that MMA is the ultimate challenge for a fighter…

KN: Where did you get the nickname “the bull” from?

My sister gave it to me when I was fighting in kickboxing, and that’s when I was reborn into “the bull.”

KN: Who are your current favorite fighters to watch?

I am a big fan of many great fighters including boxers… and kick boxers… Off of the top of my head i like, Anderson Silva I think his the next Ali for MMA. Big fan of CroCop, Fedor, Tyson, Rocky Marciano etcetera.

KN: What are your strengths as a fighter?

I like to think of myself as a fighter whose still learning the game of MMA. I love to strike …and I’ve been doing stand up for a while now, but I’m always improving on my wrestling and grappling…

KN: What are your weaknesses as a fighter?

There’s always something to improve on so. My weakness is my strength and that’s to keep evolving as a fighter.

KN: When are you scheduled to fight next?

Hopefully on December 10 in TO, fighting against Dennis Hallman…very dangerous fighter. I’ll be ready for him…

KN: Who is the toughest opponent you have faced so far?

I think every fighter poses a threat some way or another. They are all tough in my eyes in different ways.

KN: What do you like to do when you’re not fighting?

I’m always training…finding different ways to challenge myself… I also like ice hockey, movies etc…spending time with my family.

KN: Describe the feeling you had when you received the call that you had a fight in the UFC?

It was a feeling that I thought I would never feel, but it was a moment I will never forget. It made me very happy.

KN: Describe the spinning back fist KO of Kyle Watson. Is that something you practice?

Yes I was training with a very good ex kick boxer who had a very good career. Angelo Di Bella. Great guy who helped me with it, and in training, he had used it in his bouts in the past. And I modified it into my style.

KN: Any closing comments?

First and foremost most I want to thank my Manager: Mitchell Mayberger for being there for me and helping me in my career, Team Tristar, my coaches…Head Coach: Firas Zahabi (MMA, Muay Thai Coach: Peter Sisomphou, Strength & Conditionning: Jon Chaimberg,Wrestling Coach: Gia Sissaouri, and also the grant brothers, Angelo Di Bella, Dany Caron, Jeremy Rubin and my fans and family who represent Team Bull. I want to also thank my sponsors Weider Nutrition, Headrush clothing brand, Nuface medical esthetic and Resto Bar Bruise and Houblon.