Canada’s Rory MacDonald has signed on with the Professional Fighters League for the PFL 2020 season, giving an immediate boost to their welterweight division.
Rory MacDonald is a Bellator fighter no more. One of the promotion’s biggest free agent signings just a few years ago, MacDonald (21–6–1) has signed on with the Professional Fighters League for their 2020 season. The news comes after ‘The Red King’ fought out his contract at Bellator 232 in October.
Welcome to #PFLmma, @rory_macdonald! 🇨🇦👊
Full story via @arielhelwani: https://t.co/FCGfewKeHc pic.twitter.com/BxTSmTc3UY
— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) December 18, 2019
PFL officials announced the news via social media Wednesday. The move comes in the wake of MacDonald losing his 170lb title to Douglas Lima at the end of the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix. That loss also saw a million dollars in prize money slip through the Canadian’s fingers, but he’ll have another shot at the hefty payday next season with the PFL.
Another concern of MacDonald, beyond the million dollar prize the PFL offers, should be addressed by the signing. In the past, MacDonald has complained of not being active enough. The PFL format, with two “regular season” fights, and three post-season bouts (including two in a single night for those who advance) should keep him busy.
Without question, MacDonald, a former UFC title challenger in addition to winning gold in Bellator, is the highest-profile fighter the PFL has signed to date. The 30-year old holds wins over Demian Maia, Paul Daley, Tyron Woodley, Neiman Gracie, B.J. Penn, Nate Diaz, and others.
