“We tried to trash talk a little bit this and that, but, for me, it’s nothing personal. I don’t hate him. I don’t love him, it’s like neutral feelings against him. He’s just my opponent on Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.
“He has a good fighting style; he’s coming to fight. I watch his UFC statistics, he never even attempted a takedown, so he’s a more of a striker. I like to fight strikers, so it’s going to be a good fight.”
There’s no doubt that Haqparast has done his homework on Makdessi and vice-versa due to the long road it’s taken to finally get these two in the Octagon and with the history of training together in the past. For Haqparast, game plan aside, he is ready in every aspect.
“The biggest focus for this training camp was just don’t get injured and make it to the fight because on Saturday, even without a game plan, even if I just go with my instincts, I’m healthy and in shape,” Haqparast said. “I’m just going to throw everything out there. I am ready for everything, I’m injury-free, healthy and I’m ready to show.”