Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
John Makdessi is all about positive thinking heading into UFC Brasilia despite growing concerns about Coronavirus.
John Makdessi is using the power of positive thinking to perservere about growing concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A flyweight fight between Su Mudaerji and Bruno Gustavo da Silva was originally scheduled for UFC Brasilia, but Mudaerji would not travel due to the outbreak. Makdessi (17-6) fights Fransisco Trinaldo (24-7) on the main card of the event. On Friday, the Canadian-born fighter told Bloody Elbow he was not concerned with COVID-19.
“No, man. I’m cutting weight, I’m training hard. I try to focus on the positive,” Makdessi said. “Life is a journey, you know what I mean? I’m not really concerned about that at all.”
Since then, the situation has had significant implications on UFC Brasilia. A media day was cancelled on Thursday and it was subsequently announced that UFC Brasilia will take place inside an empty arena.
Makdessi made the transition from Tristar to Roufusport in 2018 but has relocated to the MMA Lab for his upcoming fight.
“I was always a fan of Ben Henderson. My manager helped me get in contact with the MMA Lab, so for this fight camp I’ve been training over here in Arizona,” Makdessi said. “We’ll see what happens. For me it is all about good vibes and good preparation.”
Makdessi was previously scheduled to fight Devonte Smith at UFC 241. He pulled out of the fight due to undisclosed issue and kept hush when asked about it.
“Just personal issues, medical, family stuff. Just personal stuff. Unfortunately things just didn’t work out,” he explained. “It was a combination of things actually. That whole camp was just scratched out.”
UFC Brasilia takes place on Saturday, March 14. The event is headlined by Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira and also features Demian Maia vs. Gilbert Burns.