Welcome to #PFLmma, @rory_macdonald! ???
Full story via @arielhelwani: https://t.co/FCGfewKeHc pic.twitter.com/BxTSmTc3UY
— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) December 18, 2019
Former UFC title contender and recent Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald has a new fighting home.
MacDonald told ESPN that he has signed an exclusive contract with Professional Fighters League, and is expected to debut in the promotion in 2020.
“I’m excited to join the PFL where every year the world championship and $1 million belt is there for the best fighter, without any games or politics,” MacDonald told ESPN. “I believe in the PFL sport-season format and fighters-first organization.”
More on Rory MacDonald signing with PFL: https://t.co/6oOBM9K8jl
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 18, 2019
MacDonald (21-6-1) lost the Bellator welterweight title to Douglas Lima this past October in the finals of the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix. His contract concluded after that fight.
In 2016, MacDonald signed with Bellator, claiming the title two years later with a victory over Lima. He also lost to Gegard Mousasi for the Bellator middleweight title.
During his UFC career, MacDonald earned wins over Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz, Demian Maia and BJ Penn.
BREAKING : Rory Macdonald has signed an exclusive multi-fight deal with PFL. He will take part in the promotions 2020 season and compete for the welterweight title and $1 million grand prize.
Huge signing for the PFL. pic.twitter.com/CEbw6XCPWm
— OTH_MMA (@mma_oth) December 18, 2019