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UFC 124 Weigh-in: Audinwood vs. Makdessi

John Makdessi

TRAINING: I train twice a day six times a week. Depending on the day I like to balance all the disciplines I practice and to work on mixing everything together, in addition to strength conditioning and speed work. I train my wrestling, grappling, boxing, kickboxing, and recently started to work in Kyokushin karate with my trainer Angelo Di Bella. And Firas Zahabi is my MMA coach.

When and why did you start training for fighting? Started at 6 yrs old at Tae Kwon Do , At age 17 started karate and kickboxing, and then MMA began at 22 yrs old.

What ranks and titles have you held? Junior Olympics in Tae Kwon Do (gold)--- WKA Gold in Karate Kickboxing --- 2006 Eastern Canadian Championship in Kickboxing and USKBA world championship (gold)

Do you have any heroes? My brother, Dave, and inspiring people like Cro Cop and Bruce Lee and Fedor.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means so much to me that I’m willing to sacrifice my life for this.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No

What was your job before you started fighting? Working at a restaurant as a cook.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black Belt in Karate (kickboxing discipline)(shotokan)

Favorite grappling technique: Guillotine

Favorite Striking technique: Kicks