Canadian welterweight star Rory MacDonald signs for Bellator MMA
Former UFC title challenger and top contender jumps ship to become Bellator MMA's biggest free-agent signing
CANADIAN mixed martial arts star Rory MacDonald is now a Bellator fighter.
The former number-one UFC welterweight contender and world title challenger's contract with the UFC expired following his defeat to Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson in June.
And after receiving a blockbuster offer from Bellator MMA, the UFC waived its right to match the offer, leaving the way clear for 'The Red King' to sign the most lucrative deal of his career and become Bellator's biggest free-agent signing.
In a press release Bellator officials described the promotion as 'elated' to secure the signature of MacDonald, who is widely considered to be among the top three or four welterweight fighters on the planet.
The softly-spoken Canadian has inked an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight deal with the promotion, and has already stated his intention to make a splash in TWO weight divisions with Bellator.
"There are multiple reasons why I choose to fight for Bellator MMA and Scott Coker," said MacDonald.
"One, they have given me the opportunity to develop and grow a business together.
"Two, because I already feel respected by the promotion as a professional athlete.
"And last but not least, because Bellator is offering a setup that no-one in the world can offer me."
MacDonald joins fellow former UFC athletes Matt Mitrione and Benson Henderson under the Bellator MMA banner, and the promotion's president Scott Coker was understandably delighted with his latest acquisition.
"There’s no denying that Rory MacDonald was the cream of the crop when it comes to free agents in MMA," he said.
"As I say all the time, if there is a free agent out there, we’re going to talk to them (and) if they fit our model we’re going to make a hard push to bring them over here.
"I’m very happy that we were able to work out a deal with Rory, and I can’t wait to see him bring his menacing style to the Bellator cage."
Fighting Facts: Rory MacDonald
Age: 27
Height: 6ft
Weight: 170lbs (welterweight)
Fights out of: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Team: Tristar Gym, Montreal
Fights: 22
Wins: 18
Losses: 4
KO/TKOs: 7
Submissions: 6
Decisions: 5
No-Gi Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Fought Robbie Lawler for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 189 (Fight of the Year)
And the 27-year-old already has his sights set on world championship glory in TWO weight classes, officially putting the welterweight AND middleweight divisions on notice following his official unveiling during Friday night's Bellator 160 event as he immediately called out Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov.
"I'm gonna put on a show for you guys," he told Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith.
"I'm taking over. I'm the king of this division at 170 (pounds). I'm going after Koreshkov and his belt. After that I've got my eyes on 185, too."
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