Speaking to fans via his Facebook page on Sunday, John Makdessi has admitted that he’s never taken as much damage in a fight as he did against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187.
Makdessi eventually had to verbally submit after a second round head kick from Cerrone broke his jaw, and he’s since undergone successful surgery to fix his jaw, though he now faces six weeks on a liquid diet with his jaw wired shut.
‘The Bull’, who’s compiled a 5-4 run in the UFC to date, says he now needs time to reflect on what comes next, voicing his concerns that he’s undersized at lightweight, yet may lose some of his strength and put more strain on his body by moving down to featherweight.
Read Makdessi’s thoughts in full below, including a follow-up post in which he stresses that he’s not considering retirement at this stage.
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“It’s unfortunate I got my jaw broken in the fight I never experienced that in my whole life of competing. Im still at the hospital now I’m healing and reflecting. I fight for my future and to pay my bills I sacrifice my body and put everything on the line every time I step into that cage. I’m sorry I couldn’t do what I wanted to do I wasn’t there 100% but no excuses Donal Cerrone was a better man that night I wish I could of given you guys a better fight. But it is what it is. This is life. I always want to go out there and entertain the crowd.
In regards of my career I’m 30 years old now I’ve been competing since the age of 6 and turned professional at the age of 23. The 155 devision always leaves me at a disadvantage with opponents having the size and reach advantage and at 145 I won’t feel strong, be too weak and it won’t be good for my health. It’s to bad they don’t make more weight classes for the fighters like they do in boxing. I have to be smart I take to many risks fighting bigger guys, but I know it’s a business no ego involved. This fight I took a lot of damage. Never in my life took so much damage. Have to sit down with myself do a lot of thinking a lot of healing and see what I’m going to do next. Want to give a special thanks to Core Nutritional, Ben Hoffman and my team for all the support and help.To my fans thank u for all your support. I love u guys.”
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“I think the post I put up earlier was misunderstood to some ppl. I did not mean to give out the message that I was going to retire or anything like that was just how I was feeling after two fights back to back with no rest …most people don’t know what a professional fighter (Mma) goes through and what the PROCESS is like. We don’t just get into a cage and fight … There’s a lot behind the scene and preparation a pro Mma fighter does…That being said the smartest thing for me right now is to rest and reflect and see what’s next.Thank you for all your messages and support.”
