The UFC have been given a shot in the arm today, as long-time top welterweight star Rory MacDonald has signed for Bellator.
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Rory MacDonald is reportedly out at UFC.
Recently, however, the Viacom-backed Bellator has been making moves to secure some of MMA’s hottest free agents, scooping up former UFC champs like Ben Henderson and signing incredibly promising up-and-comers like Michael “Venom” Page and Aaron Pico.
MacDonald could find himself a quick contender for Bellator’s 170-pound title, which now is held by Andrey Koreshkov. Having been a professional fighter since the fresh young age of 16, MacDonald is now a 22-fight veteran at the age of 27.
As of Wednesday, August 24th, MacDonald’s status as the #3 contender in the UFC’s welterweight rankings is no more. MacDonald is a local fan favourite because of his B.C. connections, but he’s also beloved in the worldwide MMA community because of his fighting record.
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Prior to his setback against Thompson, MacDonald suffered a violent fifth round knockout at the hands of former champion Robbie Lawler in their thrilling UFC 189 title fight. He won three straight after that to earn the rematch. Bellator CEO had previously mentioned MacDonald’s name during an interesting snippet. But that was in July, and now those going-well talks appear to have gone well enough to land the welterweight in the promotion.
