A former RFA lightweight champion with a 9-3 professional record, Baghdad (11-3) lost his opening UFC fight against Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night 81 in January after a run of six straight wins.

Born in France, Baghdad grew up in Algeria and proudly represents the Arab population in and out of the octagon. His opponent Makdessi (12-5) of Quebec is recovering from two consecutive defeats after losing to Donald Cerrone and Yancy Medeiros.

“I want UFC fans to see me, to hear my name, and say ‘wow, who is this guy? Who is Baghdad?’ I want all Arab and French fighters to know my name, to be happy, and to be like the way Conor McGregor is seen. I want everyone asking about all Arab countries and its fighting,” Baghdad told Sport360 in January.

UFC 199 will be co-headlined by a middleweight title fight between champion Luke Rockhold and Chris Weidman.

Rockhold took the belt from Weidman at UFC 194, after battering his opponent in the fourth round.

Elsewhere, Dominick Cruz will take on former WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber.