Rory MacDonald (fighter)

Rory Joseph MacDonald[6] (born July 22, 1989) is a Canadian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Prior to signing with the PFL, MacDonald competed for Bellator MMA, where he is a former Bellator Welterweight World Champion.[7] Having been a professional competitor since 2005, he is a former UFC top contender as well, and there he obtained an overall UFC record of 9–4, and challenged for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 189 in a bout against then-champion Robbie Lawler, a fight that many MMA fans, fighters, and reporters alike consider to be the greatest MMA fight of all time. He is also a former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion.

Rory MacDonald
BornRory MacDonald
(1989-07-22) July 22, 1989
Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
Other namesThe Red King[1]
NationalityCanadian
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[1]
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionLightweight (2005–2008)
Welterweight (2009–present)
Middleweight (2018)
Reach76 in (193 cm)[2]
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofMontreal, Quebec, Canada
TeamTristar Gym (2007–present)[3]
Toshido MMA (2003–present)[3]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under David Lea[4][5]
Years active2005–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total28
Wins21
By knockout7
By submission7
By decision7
Losses6
By knockout3
By decision3
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Mixed martial arts career

MacDonald is of Scottish, Irish and Norwegian descent. He started his training with David Lea at the age of 14 and his fight team Toshido Fighting Arts Academy out of Kelowna, B.C.[3] MacDonald made his professional debut at the age of sixteen, winning in the 1st round by submission against Terry Thiara at an Extreme Fighting Challenge event via rear naked choke.[8][9]

King of the Cage

He then moved to 2–0, by beating Ken Tran in his King of the Cage (KOTC) debut. He won a fight in Rumble in the Cage and then signed exclusively with King of the Cage. He won two fights after signing and was then rewarded with a shot at the KOTC Canadian Lightweight title, against Kajan Johnson, which MacDonald won. MacDonald then was awarded a shot at the King of the Cage Lightweight Championship, against Clay French, MacDonald knocked him out in the second round. After the fight MacDonald moved up to welterweight and defeated Elmer Waterhen by first round armbar.[10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

MacDonald was signed to the UFC after compiling a 9–0 professional record.[11]

He debuted for the promotion at UFC Fight Night 20 against Mike Guymon. Guymon dropped MacDonald with a right cross, before MacDonald quickly recovered, took Guymon down and won the fight with an armbar submission in the first round.[12] MacDonald lost to Carlos Condit via third-round TKO at UFC 115[13] in a bout that earned the Fight of the Night award. MacDonald was competitive in the first two rounds using effective striking and taking Condit down three times. Condit came back with a more aggressive attitude in the final round and finished MacDonald with a combination of elbows and punches. After the fight, the judges' scorecards were revealed and showed that had MacDonald not been finished in the last seven seconds, he would have picked up a split decision victory.[14] After this loss, Macdonald moved to Montreal and joined Tristar Gym, home of elite fighters such as former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre.[15]

MacDonald was expected to face Matt Brown on November 20, 2010 at UFC 123,[16] but was forced from the card with an injury and replaced by Brian Foster.[17]

MacDonald was expected to face James Wilks on April 30, 2011 at UFC 129.[18] However, Wilks was replaced on the card by Nate Diaz. MacDonald dominated Diaz during all three rounds (throwing Diaz via German Suplex three times in the third round) and earning a unanimous decision victory.[19]

MacDonald next faced and defeated Mike Pyle by TKO in the first round on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133.[20]

MacDonald was expected to face Brian Ebersole on December 10, 2011 at UFC 140.[21] However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Claude Patrick.[22] MacDonald beat Che Mills via second-round TKO on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.[23] After getting hit with hard shots in the first round, MacDonald took the fight to the ground, where he controlled the fight with his superior wrestling and ground and pound.

MacDonald was expected to face BJ Penn on September 22, 2012 at UFC 152.[24] However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout after sustaining a cut to the forehead while training.[25] The fight eventually took place on December 8, 2012 at UFC on Fox 5.[26] MacDonald dominated Penn for three rounds and won by unanimous decision.[27]

MacDonald was expected to face Carlos Condit in a rematch on March 16, 2013 at UFC 158. However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout citing another injury, and was replaced by Johny Hendricks.[28]

MacDonald defeated Jake Ellenberger by unanimous decision on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8. He used his size and reach advantage to repeatedly land his jab, neutralizing the shorter Ellenberger. UFC president Dana White criticized the performance as "lackluster".[29][30]

MacDonald next lost a split decision to Robbie Lawler at UFC 167.[31]

MacDonald beat Demian Maia by unanimous decision on February 22, 2014 at UFC 170, earning his second Fight of the Night bonus award.[32] MacDonald almost had to pull out of this fight after stabbing himself in the hand while cutting an avocado.[33]

MacDonald defeated Tyron Woodley by unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC 174 on June 14, 2014.[34]

MacDonald scored a third-round TKO on Tarec Saffiedine on October 4, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 54.[35] This earned his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[36]

MacDonald was expected to face Hector Lombard on April 25, 2015 at UFC 186.[37] However, on February 10, the UFC indicated that both participants had been removed from the card and that the pairing had been scrapped as both fighters are expected to be rebooked against a new opponent.[38][39]

A rematch with then champion Robbie Lawler took place on July 11, 2015 at UFC 189.[40] MacDonald lost the fight via TKO in the fifth round.[41] The back and forth action earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[42] The fight was considered an instant classic by fans and media alike with UFC President Dana White hailing it as one of the best welterweight fights in the promotion's history.[43]

MacDonald next faced Stephen Thompson on June 18, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 89.[44] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[45]

Bellator MMA

On August 26, 2016, MacDonald signed a contract with Bellator MMA. He subsequently appeared at Bellator 160 and announced his intentions to win both the welterweight and middleweight championships.[46] In his Bellator debut, MacDonald fought Paul Daley in the main event at Bellator 179 on May 19, 2017. He won the one-sided fight via rear-naked choke in the second round.[47]

MacDonald faced Bellator MMA welterweight champion Douglas Lima at Bellator 192 on January 20, 2018.[48] He won the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision (48–47, 49–45, and 49–46).[49] He sustained an injury with a big swelling on the shin of his left leg, midway through the fight.[50][51]

MacDonald moved up and challenged Gegard Mousasi for the Bellator Middleweight Championship on September 29, 2018 at Bellator 206.[52] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[53]

MacDonald next defended his Welterweight title against Jon Fitch in a fight that is simultaneously the first round of Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix at Bellator 220 on April 27, 2019.[54] The back-and-forth bout ended in a majority draw. Due to the fight ending in a draw, Macdonald retained the title and advanced to the semifinals against Neiman Gracie.[55] MacDonald faced Gracie in the main event at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

In the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix final, MacDonald faced Douglas Lima in a rematch at Bellator 232 on October 26, 2019.[56] He lost the fight and title via unanimous decision.

Professional Fighters League

On December 18, 2019, it was announced that MacDonald had signed with the Professional Fighters League.[57]

Metamoris

On November 22, 2014, MacDonald fought to a draw against Jonathan Torres in a grappling match in Metamoris V.

Personal life

MacDonald was raised Catholic, however he left the faith early on in his life.[58] In 2019 however he became a Born Again Christian after saying that he had an encounter with God.[59]

MacDonald and his wife Olivia have a daughter Maia (born 2016) and a son Rocky (born 2019).[60][61]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
28 matches 21 wins 6 losses
By knockout 7 3
By submission 7 0
By decision 7 3
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 21–6–1 Douglas Lima Decision (unanimous) Bellator 232 October 26, 2019 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Final. Lost the Bellator Welterweight World Championship.
Win 21–5–1 Neiman Gracie Decision (unanimous) Bellator 222 June 14, 2019 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal. Defended the Bellator Welterweight World Championship.
Draw 20–5–1 Jon Fitch Draw (majority) Bellator 220 April 27, 2019 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Retained the Bellator Welterweight World Championship.
Loss 20–5 Gegard Mousasi TKO (punches and elbows) Bellator 206 September 29, 2018 2 3:23 San Jose, California, United States Middleweight debut. For the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win 20–4 Douglas Lima Decision (unanimous) Bellator 192 January 20, 2018 5 5:00 Inglewood, California, United States Won the Bellator Welterweight World Championship.
Win 19–4 Paul Daley Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 179 May 19, 2017 2 1:45 London, England
Loss 18–4 Stephen Thompson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson June 18, 2016 5 5:00 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Loss 18–3 Robbie Lawler TKO (punches) UFC 189 July 11, 2015 5 1:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 18–2 Tarec Saffiedine TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Saffiedine October 4, 2014 3 1:28 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Performance of the Night.
Win 17–2 Tyron Woodley Decision (unanimous) UFC 174 June 14, 2014 3 5:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 16–2 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC 170 February 22, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 15–2 Robbie Lawler Decision (split) UFC 167 November 16, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–1 Jake Ellenberger Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga July 27, 2013 3 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 14–1 B.J. Penn Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz December 8, 2012 3 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 13–1 Che Mills TKO (punches) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 2 2:20 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 12–1 Mike Pyle TKO (punches) UFC 133 August 6, 2011 1 3:54 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 11–1 Nate Diaz Decision (unanimous) UFC 129 April 30, 2011 3 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Loss 10–1 Carlos Condit TKO (punches) UFC 115 June 12, 2010 3 4:53 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Fight of the Night.
Win 10–0 Mike Guymon Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz January 11, 2010 1 4:27 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win 9–0 Nick Hinchliffe KO (punches) KOTC Canada: Disturbed September 26, 2009 2 2:08 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 8–0 Elmer Waterhen Submission (armbar) KOTC Canada: Island Pride May 8, 2009 1 1:27 Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada Welterweight debut.
Win 7–0 Clay French KO (punches) KOTC Canada: Grinder November 28, 2008 2 4:26 Calgary, Alberta, Canada Won the KOTC Lightweight Championship.
Win 6–0 Kajan Johnson TKO (elbows and punches) KOTC Canada: Avalanche December 15, 2007 3 1:48 Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Won the KOTC Canadian Lightweight Championship.
Win 5–0 Yoon Heo TKO (knees) KOTC Canada: Icebreaker November 3, 2006 2 0:19 Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Win 4–0 Quinton Moreno Submission (triangle choke) KOTC Canada: Insurrection October 6, 2006 1 N/A Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Win 3–0 Jordan Mein Submission (rear-naked choke) Rumble in the Cage 17 June 17, 2006 1 4:04 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Win 2–0 Ken Tran Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC Canada: Anarchy February 11, 2006 1 2:33 Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Win 1–0 Terry Thiara Submission (rear-naked choke) Extreme Fighting Challenge 4 October 15, 2005 1 2:11 Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

[9]

See also

References
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  2. "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night MacDonald vs. Saffiedine". UFC.com. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  3. Red King Rundown: Episode 2. Professional Fighters League. July 7, 2020.
  4. T.P. Grant (December 31, 2012). "Rory MacDonald awarded black belt in no gi jiu jitsu". Bloody Elbow.
  5. "Rory "Ares" MacDonald - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  6. http://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2014_Results/02-22-14MMA.pdf
  7. "BREAKING: Rory MacDonald Signs with Bellator". Retrieved 2016-08-24.
  8. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mma/news/rory-macdonald-career-fights-record-bellator-bio/nkpb8zdwpddb1sd0aigjja53v
  9. Sherdog.com. "Rory". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  10. http://www.toshido.ca/index.html
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-07-11. Retrieved 2009-10-15.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. "UFC Fight Night 20 recap". mmajunkie.com. January 12, 2010. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010.
  13. "UFC 115: Carlos Condit vs Rory MacDonald in the works for June 12". mmamania.com. 2010-01-27.
  14. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2012-07-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. https://www.thespec.com/sports-story/2266719-ufc-grants-rory-macdonald-his-wish-a-rematch-with-carlos-condit/
  16. "MacDonald vs Brown at UFC 123". Sportsnet.ca. 2010-08-18.
  17. "Injured Rory MacDonald out, Brian Foster in against Matt Brown at UFC 123". mmajunkie.com. October 13, 2010. Archived from the original on October 16, 2010.
  18. "UFC 129: Brookins-Makdessi, MacDonald-Wilks Set for April 30 in Toronto". mmafrenzy.com. January 4, 2011.
  19. "Nate Diaz meets Rory MacDonald at UFC 129". mmajunkie.com. January 14, 2011. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012.
  20. "UFC 133: Welterweights Rory MacDonald vs. Mike Pyle Set for Aug. 6 in Philly". mmafrenzy.com. May 23, 2011.
  21. "Rory MacDonald vs Brian Ebersole booked for Dec. 10 in Toronto". mmaweekly.com. September 6, 2011.
  22. "Rory MacDonald out, Claude Patrick in against Brian Ebersole at UFC 140". MMAJunkie.com. November 8, 2011. Archived from the original on November 10, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  23. "UFC 145; seven bouts shift to Atlanta". mmajunkie.com. January 20, 2012.
  24. Mrosko, Gene (June 9, 2012). "BJ Penn vs Rory MacDonald fight booked for Sept. 22 in Toronto". mmamania.com. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  25. Roth, Matthew (2012-08-05). "UFC 152: Rory MacDonald Injured and out of B.J. Penn Fight". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2012-08-05.
  26. "Rory MacDonald vs. B.J. Penn targeted for UFC on FOX 5 co-headliner". mmajunkie.com. August 10, 2012.
  27. "Firas Zahabi: Rory MacDonald Was Not Showboating Against B.J. Penn". sherdog.com. December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
  28. John Morgan and Steven Marrocco (2013-02-18). "Rory MacDonald scratched from UFC 158, Johny Hendricks now meets Carlos Condit". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  29. Maggie Hendricks (July 27, 2013). "Rory MacDonald wins UFC on Fox 8 snoozefest over Jake Ellenberger". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  30. Dave Doyle (July 28, 2013). "Dana White on MacDonald vs. Ellenberger: 'That fight sucked so bad'". mmafighting.com. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  31. Jason Nawara (2013-11-17). "Robbie Lawler beats up Rory MacDonald and nabs the split-decision". middleasy.com. Retrieved 2013-11-17.
  32. Brent Brookhouse (2014-02-23). "UFC 170 bonuses: Rousey, Maia, MacDonald and Thompson each take home $50,000". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  33. Dave Walsh (2014-02-25). "Rory MacDonald Stabbed Himself Cutting an Avocado, Okay". mmanuts.com. Retrieved 2014-02-25.
  34. Mindenhall, Chuck (2014-04-08). "Tyron Woodley inks an eight-fight deal with UFC, faces Rory MacDonald at UFC 174". MMAfighting.com. Retrieved 2014-04-09.
  35. Steven Marrocco (2014-10-05). "UFC Fight Night 54 results: Rory MacDonald stops Tarec Saffiedine with TKO in third". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-10-05.
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  40. Staff (2015-02-18). "Champ Robbie Lawler meets Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 as event's second title fight". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  41. Thomas Myers (2015-07-12). "UFC 189 results: Robbie Lawler somehow survives, rallies, to score nose-crunching fifth round knockout of Rory MacDonald". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  42. Chuck Mindenhall (2015-07-12). "UFC 189 bonuses: Rory MacDonald and Robbie Lawler's war good enough for FOTN bonus". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  43. Shaun Al-Shatti (2015-07-12). "Dana White: Rory MacDonald 'didn't know what year it was' after UFC 189 loss to Robbie Lawler". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  44. Staff (2016-03-04). "Rory MacDonald vs. Stephen Thompson headlines UFC Fight Night 89". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
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  53. "Bellator 206: Gegard Mousasi delivers Rory MacDonald first Bellator defeat". FanSided. 2018-09-30. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
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