Michael McDonald started training in kickboxing at the age of ten. At the age of fourteen he expanded his training to mixed martial arts. After competing in a total of nine amateur fights, he turned professional in 2007 at the age of sixteen. He competed in the WEC at the age of nineteen, eventually competing in the UFC. In 2013, he fought for the interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at 22 years of age. Michael also competed in the bantamweight division of Bellator MMA. During this time Michael also earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.