Background
Michael was born in Birmingham to a Jamaican family, he was raised in Mandeville, Jamaica until age eight when his family later immigrated to Canada, he grew up in Edmonton, Alberta during his school years.
Michael was born in Birmingham to a Jamaican family, he was raised in Mandeville, Jamaica until age eight when his family later immigrated to Canada, he grew up in Edmonton, Alberta during his school years.
While growing up Michael was active in a variety of sports including track and field, football, soccer, baseball and wrestling. At the age of 17 a friend introduced him to Muay Thai. He stayed with "Team Andy" for 3 years fighting in the K-1 Grand Prix throughout the world.
In 2000 Michael stunned a crowd of 35,000 at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 in Fukuoka by winning a unanimous decision over the heavily favored Nicholas Pettas.
On December 7, 2002 he was selected for K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Finals first reserve fight against Martin Holm. In 2004 he re-claimed the K-1 United States of America 2004 North American Grand Prix Championship.
Scoring another second round KO in the semi-final against Kelly Leo, McDonald advanced to the final. The award was presented to McDonald by Muhammad Ali accompanied by Mike Tyson.
On August 12, 2006 he returned to Las Vegas for fifth time to re-claim the title.
2006 K-1 World Grand Prix in Las Vegas II Runner Up.