In what was a grueling fight, Rory MacDonald and Jon Fitch fought to a draw in the Bellator 220 main event.
Rory MacDonald was the brightest prospect in the UFC’s welterweight division for several years. GSP’s protege went 9-2 in his first 11 fights in the Octagon with wins over Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia. He then received a title shot against Robbie Lawler and came up short in one of the greatest fights ever. After losing to Stephen Thompson in his next appearance, the Canadian went to Bellator. MacDonald submitted Paul Daley then won the welterweight belt against Douglas Lima. He then moved up to face Gegard Mousasi for the middleweight belt, but was soundly defeated.
Jon Fitch was an incredibly impressive 14-3-1 in the UFC from 2005 to 2013 before heading over to WSOF. The grappler wen 6-2 in the promotion, defending the welterweight title twice before signing with Bellator. Fitch was successful in his promotional debut with a victory over Paul Daley, earning his spot in the Welterweight Grand Prix.
Jon Fitch scored a takedown early in the first round. Rory MacDonald worked his way up and used a kimura to escape Fitch’s grasp. After avoiding one takedown, MacDonald was scooped up and slammed. The round ended with Fitch on top.
😳@JonFitchDotNet with the takedown in the first round.#Bellator220 pic.twitter.com/Dt96Xuxu4m
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 28, 2019
MacDonald avoided several takedown attempts to start the second round. He then landed a head kick on his aggressive opponent. MacDonald started landing punches as Fitch was desperate to get a takedown. He eventually got one, but MacDonald popped back up and took Fitch down.
The third round was all Jon Fitch as he got an early takedown and held MacDonald down for the entire round. Fitch was able to cut the champ open as well.
Rory MacDonald did serious damage to Fitch early in the round, landing another head kick. As Fitch tried for a takedown, MacDonald battered him with elbows and punches. Fitch was eventually able to drag the champion down, staying in top position to nearly the end of the round.
Jon Fitch avoided a Rory MacDonald takedown then scored one of his own. Fitch kept MacDonald pinned against the cage for the great majority of the round and the closely contested fight was ruled a draw.
MacDonald retains the title and moves on to meet Neiman Gracie in the next round of the Grand Prix. However, he explained in his post-fight interview that his passion for fighting is fading fast.
Jon Fitch vs. Rory MacDonald Ends in a Majority Draw (48-46, 47-47 x2)
