(Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)
The Prelim Breakout Star is a once per event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention to the most talented guy on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.
All too often the Prelim Breakout Star is a fighter just getting off the The Ultimate Fighter or making his debut. Often they are fighters that come from countries we don’t associate with mixed martial arts or ones that don’t have many television contracts. This one breaks that mold and also holds a home field advantage this weekend.
John Makdessi
Nickname – The Bull
Affiliation – Tristar
From – Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Height – 5’6”
Weight – 155 lbs (Lightweight)
Record – 11-2 (4-2 UFC)
What makes him impressive
What’s first and foremost impressive of Makdessi’s game is that he has top notch kickboxing and Taekwondo. Before becoming an MMA fighter, Makdessi went 22-0 as a kickboxer. Since then, he’s gone in with some of more straightforward strikers in the lightweight division and beat his fair share. Taking out the likes of Daron Cruickshank and Sam Stout by throwing leather the whole time is no small accomplishment. Furthermore, he’s shown he has the ability to finish. Seven of his career 11 wins have happened via (T)KO.
While all of his striking is something to watch for, his chin is what surprises most fans. Despite fighting fighter after fighter with great kickboxing, he’s yet to be knocked out in his life. This is not for lack of taking good shots. Just ask Anthony Njokuani who looked visibly surprised in how much he was dishing out without results.
Why he’s been overlooked
With his striking background being pushed to the beginning of every article or preview about him, people come out expecting knockouts. However, since he’s run in with some of the best strikers at 155 lbs, many of his fights have gone to decision. This obviously lowers the buzz around him, whether granted or not.
What makes this a good matchup
Renee Forte is a very big and strong lightweight. When he fought Terry Etim, he showed how he likes to use his body to push people around. With Makdessi, this is going to be much harder. Makdessi has great footwork and tends to keep his distance. Furthermore, he himself is a large lightweight and should be able to counter any size discrepancies.
Daniel Vreeland is a writer (PrelimPicker) and teacher with an avid love for martial arts. He has practiced jiu jitsu and submission grappling under and next to many top names including Royce Gracie, Rousimar Palhares, Murilo Bustamante and Marco Alvan. He has placed in multiple NAGA grappling tournaments and currently trains under black belt Dave Roy in Amherst, MA.
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