PFL MMA: The Story of Rory MacDonald [April 2021]

Originally hailing from British Columbia, Canada, Rory MacDonald started training as a fighter at 14 years old. Making his professional debut at 16, MacDonald won his first fight in the first round at an Extreme Fighting Challenge event.

King of the Cage

MacDonald then moved on to King of the Cage, where he won several more fights. Seemingly unstoppable, MacDonald then signed with the UFC, entering the league with a professional record of 9-0.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

For years, MacDonald has been viewed as one of the top welterweights in the world. In 2015, he challenged Robbie Lawler for the UFC’s 170-pound title, which resulted in one of the most exciting welterweight title fights in UFC history.

He ended up losing that bloody brawl in the final round.

Bellator MMA

Coming off of a loss to Stephen Thompson at UFC Fight Night 89, MacDonald made the decision to sign with Bellator MMA. He had hopes of winning both the welterweight and middleweight titles.

In his first fight with Bellator, he beat Paul Daley at Bellator 179. In 2019, he fought Jon Fitch to defend his welterweight title. That fight ended in MacDonald’s first draw.

Professional Fighters League

MacDonald soon became dissatisfied with Bellator and felt like they were neglecting him. As a free agent, he chose to jump ship and go with a league that he felt would be worth his time – the Professional Fighters League.

MacDonald was attracted to the PFL’s season format because it would finally allow him to fight regularly again. He’s also determined to win the league’s mouthwatering $1 million tournament prize.

MacDonald (21-6-1) will start his first season as the headliner of the April 29 card against the heavy-handed Curtis Millender (18-6). 

Millender has been a popular fighter for the LFA, Bellator, and UFC. While he may not be as seasoned as MacDonald, he’s certainly shown that he has the skill and strength to take him on, especially since MacDonald has struggled in his recent fights.

Make sure to tune in to what is sure to be one of the most exciting fights in PFL’s history  on ESPN2 on Thurs, April 29th at 9 pm ET (6 pm PT), as MacDonald and Millender face off for the first time ever.