Bellator’s matchmakers deserve all the praise for booking Rory MacDonald’s promotional debut.
There has perhaps been no Bellator debut more highly anticipated than that of former UFC welterweight title challenger Rory MacDonald.
‘The Red King’ put on some of the greatest fights we’ve ever seen in the world’s largest MMA organisation including his rematch against Robbie Lawler that Dana White labelled ‘the best fight of… ever.’
After coming off incredibly tough scraps against Lawler and Stephen Thompson in his last two trips to the Octagon, there would be an air of disappointment if he was matched up against a can for his first Bellator fight. Fortunately, the MMA Gods have blessed us all with what promises to be a barnburner against an explosive British knockout artist.
OPINION: Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald is up there with the greatest fights in UFC history http://t.co/xCjKFKlMpi pic.twitter.com/6Z1kJV7u1z
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 13, 2015
MacDonald (18-4) will return to the cage against fellow UFC veteran Paul “Semtex” Daley” (39-14-2) in the main event of Bellator 179 set to go down in London on May 19.
Daley enters into this one off the back of the 29th knockout of his professional career, which came by way of a stunning flying knee against slugger Brennan Ward. After scoring the highlight reel KO, Daley called out MacDonald in an expletive-laden rant, claiming that he could render the MMA star unconscious.
“Rory MacDonald has come over from the UFC and things he can do his bullshit over here. It ain’t going to happen. Rory MacDonald gets in this cage with me, he’s getting knocked the fuck out.”
He’s got his wish and we won’t have to wait long to find out if he can make good on his vow.
BREAKING! Our return to London will be headlined by #PaulDaley vs @rory_macdonald May 19th at @ssearena! #Bellator179 @spike pic.twitter.com/gz31vNN0aF
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 9, 2017
