UFC 124 will feature three Canadians making their debuts with the organization in Montreal. Meet them in this edition of Fresh Faces.
Name: Jesse Bongfeldt
Weight class: Middleweight
Fighting: Rafael Natal
Record: 21-7 (9 (T)KOs, 12 submissions) for various Canadian promotions
Recent body of work: Submitted Nolan Clark by rear-naked choke in just 37 seconds at "Rumble in the Cage 36" in September
Who he is: Bongfeldt has only gone to decision once in his career, a 2003 loss to Roger Alves. Nicknamed "Water," Bongfeldt is currently on a seven-fight win streak that includes a win over UFC veteran T.J. Grant. Overall, Bongfeldt has gone 12-1 since the beginning of 2006, with the lone loss coming to another UFC veteran, Jonathan Goulet.
Name: Sean Pierson
Weight class: Welterweight
Fighting: Matt Riddle
Record: 10-4 (6 (T)KOs, 4 submissions) for various Canadian promotions
Recent body of work: TKO'd Ricky Goodall at "W-1 New Ground" in October
Who he is: Pierson will make his UFC debut on short notice, replacing an injured T.J. Waldburger. The Ontario native is riding a five-fight win streak since the beginning of 2008, with all five fights ending in the first round. A powerful striker, Pierson has only seen one career fight make it to the third round, and two of his submission wins are submissions due to punches.
Name: John Makdessi
Weight class: Lightweight
Fighting: Pat Audinwood
Record: 7-0 (6 (T)KOs) for various Canadian promotions
Recent body of work: Defeated Bendy Casimir by unanimous decision at "Mixed Fight League 3" in September
Who he is: Makdessi is a student of George St. Pierre head trainer Firas Zahabi out of the Tristar Gym in Montreal. A former kickboxer, Makdessi opened his career with six straight TKO victories before his decision win over WEC veteran Casimir.
