Interview With John Makdessi Ahead of UFC Brasilia

John Makdessi (17-6) makes the walk on March 14th behind enemy lines in Brazil. Makdessi has been consistent in securing wins over the last three years against tough competition. However, he’s been competing once every calendar year, not showing much activity. It shows the rest has been paying off for Makdessi. Having taken wins from Abel Trujillo, Ross Pearson and Jesus Pinedo, Makdessi looks to make it four back-to-back wins. Having previously scheduled bouts cancelled with Nasrat Haqparast and Devonte Smith in 2019, Makdessi will be rearing to head in to enemy territory and put on a show.

Francisco Trinaldo (24-7) is a veteran in the sport. This bout v Makdessi marks his 21st time walking to the octagon under the promotion. Last year saw Trinaldo go (1-1). Dropping a unanimous decision to Alexander Hernandez followed up by a unanimous decision win for himself as he defeated American Bobby Green.

Interview

How are you feeling ahead of your bout with Trinaldo, is there any frustration in there having two previous bouts cancelled?

Makdessi – “This is a great opportunity for me. To test myself vs a top ranked opponent in his hometown. We will see on March 14th. Life is a funny thing. The past is the past. I’m feeling great for this bout.”

Since your last loss to Vannata, you’ve been consistent, winning three on the bounce, but only competing once a year. Is there a reason behind this, as you get older your body struggling? And do you look to compete again this year if injury’s and healthy prevents this?

Makdessi – “Fighting is a tough business. If mentally or physically your not on point. Bad things can happen. I’ve been working on myself and keep trying to surround myself with positive people and team. All I can do is stay positive and focus on myself. Of course I would like to be more active. To be a title contender. I wasn’t born in a family of fighters. I had to go through a lot of errors and learn from my mistakes. Fighting is a hard business. There’s many variables that most people don’t understand.”

What made you take the bout with Trinaldo, some fighters would be apprehensive fighting in their opponents backyard knowing the crowd will be against you? Do you think this will have an effect on you or will you strive under that?

Makdessi – Trinaldo in my eyes is a ranked opponent. Tough opponent. I believe it’s a great opportunity for me to test my skills against him. A octagon is a Octagon. It doesn’t matter the location. I’m excited. To travel and test my skills.”

When your fighting careers done, what’s next for you? Do you want to stay in the fighting industry in a coaching role or venture into something else?

Makdessi – “I will see, I’m not thinking that far right now. I’m focused on the present day.”

How do you view Trinaldo as an opponent and do you have an official prediction for the fight?

Makdessi – “Trinaldo is a opportunity for me to test my skills and see where I stand in the top 15 lightweights.”

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