Rory MacDonald (fighter)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rory MacDonald
Born (1989-07-22) July 22, 1989 (age 34)
Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
Other namesRed King
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionLightweight (2005–2008)
Welterweight (2009–2022)
Middleweight (2018)
Reach76 in (193 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofMontreal, Quebec, Canada
TeamTristar Gym (2007–present)[2]
Toshido MMA (2003–present)[2]
Sanford MMA (2020–2022)[3][4]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under David Lea[5][6]
Years active2005–2022
Mixed martial arts record
Total34
Wins23
By knockout7
By submission9
By decision7
Losses10
By knockout4
By decision6
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Rory MacDonald (born July 22, 1989) is a Canadian former mixed martial artist who most recently competed 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, MacDonald was a top contender in the UFC with an overall UFC record of 9–4, and challenged for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 189 in against then-champion Robbie Lawler. He is also a former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion.

Mixed martial arts career[edit]

MacDonald started his training with David Lea at the age of 14 and his fight team Toshido Fighting Arts Academy out of Kelowna, British Columbia.[2] He made his professional debut at the age of sixteen, winning in the first round by submission against Terry Thiara at an Extreme Fighting Challenge event via rear naked choke.[8][9]

King of the Cage[edit]

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[edit]

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.[12] 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.[13]

MacDonald lost to Carlos Condit via third-round TKO at UFC 115[14] in a bout that earned the Fight of the Night award.[15] 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.[16] After this loss, Macdonald moved to Montreal and joined Tristar Gym, home of elite fighters such as former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre.[17]

MacDonald was expected to face Matt Brown on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123,[18] but was forced from the card with an injury and replaced by Brian Foster.[19]

MacDonald was expected to face James Wilks on April 30, 2011, at UFC 129.[20] However, Wilks was replaced on the card by Nate Diaz.[21] MacDonald dominated Diaz during all three rounds (throwing Diaz via German Suplex three times in the third round) and earning a unanimous decision victory.[22]

MacDonald next faced and defeated Mike Pyle by TKO in the first round on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133.[23][24]

MacDonald was expected to face Brian Ebersole on December 10, 2011, at UFC 140.[25] However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Claude Patrick.[26]

MacDonald was scheduled to face Che Mills at UFC 145 on March 24, 2012.[27] However, the event was initially cancelled and then moved from Montreal to take place in Atlanta, Georgia on April 21, 2012.[28] MacDonald won the bout via second-round TKO. 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.[29]

MacDonald was expected to face B.J. Penn on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152.[30] However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout after sustaining a cut to the forehead while training.[31] The fight eventually took place on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.[32] MacDonald dominated Penn for three rounds and won by unanimous decision.[33]

MacDonald was expected to face Carlos Condit in a rematch on March 16, 2013, at UFC 158.[34] However, MacDonald pulled out of the bout citing another injury, and was replaced by Johny Hendricks.[35]

MacDonald defeated Jake Ellenberger by unanimous decision on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8.[36] 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".[37][38]

MacDonald next lost a split decision to Robbie Lawler at UFC 167.[39]

Rise into title contention[edit]

MacDonald beat Demian Maia by unanimous decision on February 22, 2014, at UFC 170, earning his second Fight of the Night bonus award.[40] MacDonald almost had to pull out of this fight after stabbing himself in the hand while cutting an avocado.[41]

MacDonald defeated Tyron Woodley by unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC 174 on June 14, 2014.[42]

MacDonald scored a third-round TKO on Tarec Saffiedine on October 4, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 54.[43] This earned his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[44]

MacDonald was expected to face Hector Lombard on April 25, 2015, at UFC 186.[45] 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.[46][47]

A rematch with then champion Robbie Lawler took place on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189.[48] MacDonald lost the fight via TKO in the fifth round.[49] The back and forth action earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[50] 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.[51]

MacDonald next faced Stephen Thompson on June 18, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 89.[52] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[53]

On April 8, 2023, it was announced that MacDonald will be inducted to the UFC Fight Wing Hall of Fame in July 2023 for the welterweight title bout from July 2015.[54]

Bellator MMA[edit]

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.[55] In his Bellator debut, MacDonald fought Paul Daley in the main event at Bellator 179 on May 19, 2017.[56] He won the one-sided fight via rear-naked choke in the second round.[57]

Bellator Welterweight Champion[edit]

MacDonald faced Bellator MMA welterweight champion Douglas Lima at Bellator 192 on January 20, 2018.[58] He won the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision.[59] He sustained an injury with a big swelling on the shin of his left leg, midway through the fight.[60][61]

MacDonald moved up and challenged Gegard Mousasi for the Bellator Middleweight Championship on September 29, 2018, at Bellator 206.[62] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[63]

MacDonald next defended his Welterweight title against Jon Fitch in a fight that is simultaneously the first round of Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix at Bellator 220 on April 27, 2019.[64] 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.[65] MacDonald faced Gracie in the main event at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[66]

In the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix final, MacDonald faced Douglas Lima in a rematch at Bellator 232 on October 26, 2019.[67] He lost the fight and title via unanimous decision. [68]

Professional Fighters League[edit]

PFL season 2021[edit]

On December 18, 2019, it was announced that MacDonald had signed with the Professional Fighters League.[69] After a year-long layoff, mainly due to PFL not running events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MacDonald was set to make his promotional debut on April 29, 2021, against David Michaud as the start of the 2021 PFL Welterweight tournament.[70] On April 8, David announced he pulled out of the PFL season due to a heart condition.[71] He was replaced by Bellator and UFC vet Curtis Millender.[72] MacDonald won the bout in the first round via rear-naked choke.[73]

MacDonald faced Gleison Tibau at PFL 5 on June 17, 2021.[74] He lost the bout by a controversial split decision, with the vast majority of media scores and other professional MMA fighters scoring the bout as a win for MacDonald.[75][76][77][78]

MacDonald faced Ray Cooper III in the semifinals of the Welterweight tournament on August 13, 2021, at PFL 7.[79] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[80]

PFL season 2022[edit]

MacDonald faced Brett Cooper on May 6, 2022, at PFL 3.[81] MacDonald won the bout in the first round via rear-naked choke.[82]

MacDonald faced Sadibou Sy on July 1, 2022, at PFL 6.[83] In an upset, MacDonald lost the bout via unanimous decision.[84]

MacDonald was scheduled to face Magomed Umalatov in the Semifinals of the Welterweight tournament on August 13, 2022, at PFL 8.[85] However, after Umalatov was forced to pull out due to visa issues, he was replaced by Dilano Taylor.[86] MacDonald lost the bout via TKO stoppage in the first round.[87]

Retirement[edit]

On August 14, 2022, MacDonald announced his retirement from MMA competition.[88]

Submission grappling career[edit]

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

Personal life[edit]

In September 2014, it was revealed that an anonymous fan had picked MacDonald's walkout music for several years until UFC 145. According to MacDonald, he had changed phone numbers after moving to Montreal and the producer who arranged entrance music continued to unknowingly text his previous phone number. MacDonald also explained that he had been too focused on training to think of walkout music. Unaware that MacDonald was not the one making the song choices, the producer approached MacDonald in-person to tell him they could not use a song by Nickelback that the fan had chosen, revealing the ruse. The last choice the fan made was "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer at UFC 133, which MacDonald called his worst walkout song. MacDonald later chose "We Found Love" by Rihanna for his fight against Lawler at UFC 167.[89][90]

MacDonald is of Scottish, Irish and Norwegian descent. He was raised Catholic, but has said he left the faith early in his life.[91] In 2019, he became a Born Again Christian after an encounter with God.[92]

MacDonald and his wife Olivia have a daughter and a son.[93][94]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

Mixed martial arts[edit]

Mixed martial arts record[edit]

Professional record breakdown
34 matches 23 wins 10 losses
By knockout 7 4
By submission 9 0
By decision 7 6
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 23–10–1 Dilano Taylor TKO (punches) PFL 8 August 13, 2022 1 3:59 Cardiff, Wales 2022 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal.
Loss 23–9–1 Sadibou Sy Decision (unanimous) PFL 6 July 1, 2022 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 23–8–1 Brett Cooper Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 3 May 6, 2022 1 2:23 Arlington, Texas, United States
Loss 22–8–1 Ray Cooper III Decision (unanimous) PFL 7 August 13, 2021 3 5:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States 2021 PFL Welterweight Tournament Semifinal.
Loss 22–7–1 Gleison Tibau Decision (split) PFL 5 June 17, 2021 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 22–6–1 Curtis Millender Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 2 April 29, 2021 1 3:38 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
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. Fight of the Year (2015). UFC Hall of Fame Fight (Inducted on July 6th, 2023)
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[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night MacDonald vs. Saffiedine". UFC.com. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Red King Rundown: Episode 2. Professional Fighters League. July 7, 2020. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  3. ^ Damon Martin (February 8, 2021). "Rory MacDonald explains decision to change training camps ahead of upcoming PFL season". mmafighting.com.
  4. ^ Rory MacDonald Says Change Of Scenery Led To 'Reinvented' Mindset For 2022 PFL 6. MMAjunkie.com. June 30, 2022 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ T.P. Grant (December 31, 2012). "Rory MacDonald awarded black belt in no gi jiu jitsu". Bloody Elbow.
  6. ^ "Rory "Ares" MacDonald - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  7. ^ "BREAKING: Rory MacDonald Signs with Bellator". Retrieved 2016-08-24.
  8. ^ Steven Muehlhausen (July 18, 2018). "Rory MacDonald's last five fights". sportingnews.com.
  9. ^ a b Sherdog.com. "Rory". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  10. ^ "Toshido Mixed Martial Arts".
  11. ^ "UFC signs Rory MacDonald, undefeated 20-year-old KOTC champion | MMAjunkie.com". Archived from the original on 2012-07-11. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
  12. ^ Neil Davidson (October 16, 2009). "Kelowna fighter becomes youngest in UFC". sportsnet.ca.
  13. ^ "UFC Fight Night 20 recap". mmajunkie.com. January 12, 2010. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010.
  14. ^ "UFC 115: Carlos Condit vs Rory MacDonald in the works for June 12". mmamania.com. 2010-01-27.
  15. ^ a b "UFC 115 bonuses and awards for 'Liddell vs Franklin' PPV fights". mmamania.com. June 13, 2010.
  16. ^ "UFC 115 main card recap: Franklin ices Liddell in first; "Cro Cop" chokes out Barry | MMAjunkie.com". Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
  17. ^ "UFC grants Rory MacDonald his wish-a rematch with Carlos Condit". The Hamilton Spectator. December 12, 2012.
  18. ^ "MacDonald vs Brown at UFC 123". Sportsnet.ca. 2010-08-18.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "UFC 129: Brookins-Makdessi, MacDonald-Wilks Set for April 30 in Toronto". mmafrenzy.com. January 4, 2011.
  21. ^ "Nate Diaz meets Rory MacDonald at UFC 129". mmajunkie.com. January 14, 2011. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012.
  22. ^ Michael David Smith (April 30, 2011). "UFC 129: Rory MacDonald Hands Nate Diaz His Second Straight Loss". mmafighting.com.
  23. ^ "UFC 133: Welterweights Rory MacDonald vs. Mike Pyle Set for Aug. 6 in Philly". mmafrenzy.com. May 23, 2011.
  24. ^ Geno Mrosko (August 6, 2011). "UFC 133 results: Rory MacDonald pounds out Mike Pyle in the first round". mmamania.com.
  25. ^ "Rory MacDonald vs Brian Ebersole booked for Dec. 10 in Toronto". mmaweekly.com. September 6, 2011.
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ Joshua Carey (December 21, 2011). "UFC 145 Set for Montreal, Rory MacDonald Slated to Face Che Mills". Bleacher Report.
  28. ^ "UFC 145 gets McDonald-Torres, Blanco-Brimage; seven bouts shift to Atlanta". MMAjunkie.com. January 20, 2012.
  29. ^ Al Yu (April 22, 2012). "UFC 145: MacDonald Finishes Mills". mmaweekly.com.
  30. ^ Mrosko, Gene (June 9, 2012). "BJ Penn vs Rory MacDonald fight booked for Sept. 22 in Toronto". mmamania.com. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  31. ^ Roth, Matthew (2012-08-05). "UFC 152: Rory MacDonald Injured and out of B.J. Penn Fight". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2012-08-05.
  32. ^ "Rory MacDonald vs. B.J. Penn targeted for UFC on FOX 5 co-headliner". mmajunkie.com. August 10, 2012.
  33. ^ "Firas Zahabi: Rory MacDonald Was Not Showboating Against B.J. Penn". sherdog.com. December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
  34. ^ Mike Whitman (December 12, 2012). "Rory MacDonald-Carlos Condit Rematch Slated for UFC 158 in Montreal". Sherdog.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ "Jake Ellenberger vs. Rory MacDonald added to July's UFC on FOX 8 in Seattle". MMAjunkie.com. April 10, 2013.
  37. ^ Maggie Hendricks (July 27, 2013). "Rory MacDonald wins UFC on Fox 8 snoozefest over Jake Ellenberger". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  38. ^ Dave Doyle (July 28, 2013). "Dana White on MacDonald vs. Ellenberger: 'That fight sucked so bad'". mmafighting.com. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  39. ^ Jason Nawara (2013-11-17). "Robbie Lawler beats up Rory MacDonald and nabs the split-decision". middleasy.com. Retrieved 2013-11-17.
  40. ^ a b Brent Brookhouse (2014-02-23). "UFC 170 bonuses: Rousey, Maia, MacDonald and Thompson each take home $50,000". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  41. ^ Dave Walsh (2014-02-25). "Rory MacDonald Stabbed Himself Cutting an Avocado, Okay". mmanuts.com. Retrieved 2014-02-25.
  42. ^ 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.
  43. ^ 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.
  44. ^ a b "UFC Fight Night 54 bonuses: Rory MacDonald, Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Patrick Holohan and Chris Kelades earns $50K". mmajunkie.com. 2014-10-05. Retrieved 2014-10-05.
  45. ^ Zane Simon (2015-01-10). "Hector Lombard set to face Rory MacDonald at UFC 186". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2015-01-10.
  46. ^ Staff (2015-02-10). "Champ Demetrious Johnson vs. Kyoji Horiguchi is UFC 186's new co-main event". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  47. ^ Mike Bohn (2015-02-10). "With MacDonald vs. Lombard pulled from UFC 186, both fighters to get new opponents". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  48. ^ 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.
  49. ^ 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.
  50. ^ a b 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.
  51. ^ 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.
  52. ^ Staff (2016-03-04). "Rory MacDonald vs. Stephen Thompson headlines UFC Fight Night 89". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  53. ^ Steven Marrocco (2016-06-19). "UFC Fight Night 89 results: Stephen Thompson picks apart Rory MacDonald for decision win". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
  54. ^ "Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald from UFC 189 joins 2023 UFC Hall of Fame class". MMA Junkie. 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  55. ^ "Bellator announces Rory MacDonald signing during Bellator 160 broadcast". 2016-08-27. Retrieved 2016-08-27.
  56. ^ Mike Johnston (February 9, 2017). "Rory MacDonald to make Bellator MMA debut against Paul Daley". sportsnet.ca.
  57. ^ Staff (May 19, 2017). "Bellator 179 results: Rory MacDonald dominates Paul Daley for first win since 2014". mmajunkie.com.
  58. ^ "Rory MacDonald to Fight Douglas Lima for Bellator Welterweight Title in January". cagesidepress.com. September 20, 2017.
  59. ^ "Bellator 192 results: Rory MacDonald edges Douglas Lima to claim welterweight gold". MMAjunkie. 2018-01-21. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  60. ^ "Pic: MacDonald's Leg Is A Mess At Bellator 192". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  61. ^ "Rory MacDonald Wins World Title With The Most Mangled Leg We've Ever Seen". 2018-01-22. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
  62. ^ "Gegard Mousasi to Defend Bellator Middleweight Title Against Rory MacDonald in September". 21 June 2018.
  63. ^ "Bellator 206: Gegard Mousasi delivers Rory MacDonald first Bellator defeat". FanSided. 2018-09-30. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  64. ^ Marc Raimondi (January 23, 2019). "Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch title fight, Bellator grand prix first round slated for April". mmafighting.com.
  65. ^ Steven Marrocco (April 28, 2019). "After Bellator 220 draw, Rory MacDonald cites God in questioning desire to fight". mmajunkie.com.
  66. ^ "Bellator 222 results: Champ Rory MacDonald decisions Neiman Gracie, moves into tourney final". MMA Junkie. 2019-06-15. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  67. ^ Mike Chiapetta (August 22, 2019). "Rory MacDonald vs. Douglas Lima 2 Bellator World Grand Prix final set for Oct. 26". mmafighting.com.
  68. ^ Marrocco, Steven (2019-10-27). "Douglas Lima dominates Rory MacDonald to win Bellator welterweight title and grand prix". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  69. ^ "Rory MacDonald exits Bellator, signs with PFL". MMAFighting.com. December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  70. ^ Damon Martin (March 2, 2021). "Rory MacDonald faces David Michaud in PFL debut as welterweights, light heavyweights begin season on April 29". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  71. ^ Pettry, Jay. "Citing Heart Problems, David Michaud Withdraws From 2021 PFL Season". Sherdog. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  72. ^ Samano, Simon (9 April 2021). "Curtis Millender steps in to fight Rory MacDonald at PFL 2021, Week 2 on April 29". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  73. ^ Marrocco, Steven (2021-04-29). "PFL 2 results: Rory MacDonald tricks Curtis Millender, gets first-round tapout". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  74. ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (2021-05-19). "Rory MacDonald vs. Gleison Tibau headlines PFL 5 main card with welterweights and light heavyweights". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
  75. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-06-17). "PFL 5: Rory MacDonald Drops Inconsequential Bout to Gleison Tibau, Makes Playoffs Regardless". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  76. ^ Martin, Damon (2021-06-17). "PFL 5 results: Gleison Tibau wins controversial split decision over Rory MacDonald". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  77. ^ "PFL 5: Rory MacDonald, Ray Cooper III, Emiliano Sordi secure playoff spots". ESPN.com. 2021-06-17. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  78. ^ Sherdog.com. "PFL 5 2021 Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  79. ^ Newswire, MMA Fighting (2021-07-20). "PFL playoff cards announced with first event kicking off Aug. 13 with Rory MacDonald vs. Ray Cooper in main event". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-07-20.
  80. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-08-14). "PFL Playoffs 1: Ray Cooper III Decisions Rory MacDonald, Heads to Finals". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  81. ^ "Harrison, Cooper to headline PFL3 event". ESPN.com. 2022-04-05. Retrieved 2022-04-05.
  82. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-05-06). "PFL 3: Rory MacDonald Returns to Win Column With First-Round Sub of Brett Cooper". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
  83. ^ "Harrison gets toughest test yet vs. Budd at PFL 6". ESPN.com. 2022-06-01. Retrieved 2022-06-01.
  84. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-07-01). "PFL 6: Sadibou Sy Upsets Rory MacDonald, But Both Fighters Head to Playoffs". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-07-02.
  85. ^ Hannoun, Farah (2022-05-24). "2022 PFL playoff schedule includes U.K. doubleheader, promotion's first international shows". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2022-07-02.
  86. ^ Hannoun, Farah (2022-08-11). "With Magomed Umalatov out, Dilano Taylor steps in to face Rory MacDonald at 2022 PFL Playoffs 2". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  87. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-08-13). "Dilano Taylor Pulls Off Shock Upset, Finishes Rory MacDonald at PFL 8 to Clinch Spot in Finals". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
  88. ^ Mike Bohn (2022-08-14). "Rory MacDonald retires from MMA after 2022 PFL season exit". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2022-08-14.
  89. ^ Thomas, Luke (2014-09-01). "Who has been picking MacDonald's walkout music?". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  90. ^ Guillen, Adam (2014-09-03). "Imposter Chose MacDonald's Walkout Music For Years". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  91. ^ "Rory MacDonald on his renewed faith: 'I was hungry for God'". Bloody elbow. April 25, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
  92. ^ Marrocco, Steven (April 30, 2019). "Bellator champ Rory MacDonald not retiring, confirms desire to continue in grand prix". MMA Junkie. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
  93. ^ Neil Davidson (March 26, 2019). "Bellator champion Rory MacDonald walking a different path these days". National Post. nationalpost.com.
  94. ^ Nolan King (October 23, 2019). "Rory MacDonald feeling 'better than ever,' hopes to re-sign after a dominant Bellator 232 win". mmajunkie.com.
  95. ^ "2023 Class". Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  96. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 25, 2015). "10 Best – Greatest UFC fights of 2015". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  97. ^ Steven Rondina (December 22, 2015). "Bleacher Report MMA Awards: 2015's Best Fighter, Fight, Finishes and Moment". Bleacher Report.
  98. ^ Mike Bohn (March 5, 2014). "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for February 2014". MMAjunkie.com.
  99. ^ Mike Bohn (August 6, 2015). "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for July is Dana White's 'Fight of the Ever'". MMAjunkie.com.
  100. ^ Mike Bohn (December 27, 2015). "MMAjunkie's top 5 fights of 2015: Lawler-MacDonald or Gaethje-Palomino on top?". MMAjunkie.com.
  101. ^ "Best of Canada 2012: Fighter of the Year". TopMMANews.com. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
  102. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 25, 2016). "January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 29. ISSN 1083-9593.
  103. ^ "Eighth Annual World MMA Awards winners". Fightersonlymag.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  104. ^ Marc Raimondi (December 29, 2015). "2015 Fight of the Year: Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, UFC 189". mmafighting.com.
  105. ^ Patrick L. Stumberg (December 25, 2015). "Best UFC/MMA fights of 2015, a Top 5 list". mmamania.com.
  106. ^ Todd Martin (December 31, 2015). "Sherdog.com's 2015 Fight of the Year". Sherdog.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rory_MacDonald_(fighter)&oldid=1213664817"