John Makdessi appears to be aging gracefully as he meanders through the twilight phase of his career.
The Shotokan karate black belt will return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship stage for the first time in more than a year when he confronts Nasrat Haqparast in a three-round UFC Fight Night 209 lightweight showcase on Saturday at Accor Arena in Paris. Makdessi has rattled off four wins across his past five assignments. The 37-year-old Halifax, Nova Scotia, native last appeared at UFC on ABC 2, where he was awarded a split decision over Ignacio Bahamondes on April 10, 2021.