The UFC welterweight contender took to the The MMA Hour to reveal that he is a huge fan of Conor McGregor.
MacDonald (18-2) might have an entirely different personality to the flashy McGregor (16-2) but the beginning of their UFC careers were not too dissimilar in the way that they both entered the promotion as exciting, young prospects with no gaping holes in their games.
But it is McGregor’s striking that the Canadian has singled out for particular praise saying: “He’s on the cutting on some stuff I think. His movement and striking, it’s got my attention for sure. I want to emulate some of it.”
MacDonald is currently ranked just behind Robbie Lawler in the 170lb division and will likely take on the winner of Hendricks vs Lawler II for the title.
‘Ares’ also discussed his admiration for the self-promotional skills of ‘The Notorious’ saying: “He’s doing the right thing to get noticed quick but I think he would have done it anyway with his skill set. I’m more of a fan of his skills.
“The way he talks is the way he talks, but I’m more of a fan of his work in the cage. His movement, his confidence, and there’s a lot of little technical things he does with his striking that I think I could use. I like it. It’s new.”