EARLY LIFE
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on May 3, 1985. He is a first-generation Canadian born to Lebanese parents.
His martial arts training started with Tae Kwon Do at the age of 6 and he later took up Shotokan in a karate dojo which he found towards the end of his high school year.
He was born into a family of 4 kids. He is the middle child and was also hyperactive as a kid. Always on the streets playing and getting into trouble. As a youth, Makdessi was inspired by Bruce Lee and was fascinated by all his martial arts films.
His warrior spirit also kept him drawn to movies such as Gladiator and 300.
He admired and was highly motivated by MMA fighters Mirko Cro Cop, Chuck Liddell, and Anderson Silva.
The best advice he learned early on was to focus on a purpose and be passionate.
TRAINING
Makdessi dedicated a big part of his life competing in kickboxing tournaments.
Becoming a GOLD MEDALIST CHAMPION in the USKBA (United States Kickboxing Association) in 2006 at the age of 21
and reaching a PERFECT WINNING STREAK of 22-0 before beginning to train in Mixed Martial Arts.
Gold medalist Makdessi, keeps evolving by travelling around the world and associating himself with respected MMA academies and camps such as;
• Tristar gym from his hometown, Montreal, Quebec
• Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• MMA Lab in Phoenix, Arizona
• Ultimate Kombat Fitness (UKF) in Phoenix, Arizona
• Phuket Top Team in Phuket, Thailand
Makdessi has trained with a number of high-level elite athletes such as Georges St-Pierre, Anthony Pettis, and Benson Henderson to name a few.
He is mentored by Ben Hoffman (nutrition coach).
CAREER
Makdessi debuted his professional MMA career in 2008 and compiled an UNDEFEATED RECORD
of 7-0 before being signed by the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in 2010.
He made his promotional debut on December 11th 2010, at the UFC 124 in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec,
and WON A DOMINANT (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) decision over Pat Audinwood.
Right now his favorite hobby is spending time learning, studying entrepreneurship, and focusing on developing his brand.
CHAMPIONSHIPS &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Certified Mental Performance Mastery under Brian Cain
• Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• UFC’s KO of the Week (vs. Kyle Watson)
• UFC’s Fight of the Night (vs. Ross Pearson)
• Black Belt Taekwondo | Gold Medalist (Juniors)
• Black Belt Shotokan | Gold Medalist (Karate)
• Kickboxing Champion | Gold Medalist (Amateur)