Rory MacDonald (aka “Red King”) is a Canadian, mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is the former King of Pancrase, and one of the top-ranked welterweights in the world.
MacDonald was born in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada. He began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 16. He has been impressive ever since stepping into the ring, grappling with the very best around at the time.
This had led to MacDonald being widely considered one of the best mixed martial artists in the world at one point in his career. He was a dangerous striker with excellent grappling skills and his well-rounded game had made him a tough match-up for anyone in the welterweight division.
History of Rory MacDonald
As mentioned, Rory MacDonald had an impressive resume when it came down to the list of fighters that he had managed to defeat in the earlier stages of his professional fighting career.
At one point, he had managed to go 10 fights without suffering a defeat, as he held a record of 10-0-0 in 2010 before being beaten by Carlos Condit at UFC 115: Liddell vs Franklin. Since that defeat, though, he has managed to beat some of the biggest names to have ever existed in the sport.
For instance, he managed to defeat Nate Diaz via unanimous decision at UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields in his first fight following the loss, whilst winning a further four before suffering his next defeat that took his record to 15-2-0. This was a defeat to Robbie Lawler at UFC 167: St. Pierre vs. Hendricks in 2013.
MacDonald bounced back again and managed to defeat Demian Maia, Tyrone Woodley, and Tarec Saffiedine. However, he did suffer back-to-back defeats to Lawler (UFC 189: Mendes vs. McGregor) and Stephen Thompson (UFC Fight Night 89), thus taking his record to 18-4.
MacDonald in Poor Form Ahead of Upcoming Fight with Brett Cooper?
Since then, the Canadian professional fighter has managed to compile a record of 22-8-1, although his last five bouts make for some rather difficult reading for “The Red King” and his fans. In fact, he has suffered a total of three defeats and two wins in that period, whilst a fight against David Michaud had been canceled in between.
He defeated Neiman Gracie at Bellator 222 in June 2019 but was then beaten by Douglas Lima at Bellator 232 in October 2019. His next bout was in April 2021 when he defeated Curtis Millender at PFL 2021 #2 but has since suffered back-to-back defeats to Gleison Tibau (PFL 2021 #5) and Ray Cooper III (PFL 2021 #7); both having come via judges’ decision.
Indeed, MacDonald has an upcoming fight against Brett Cooper at PFL 2022 #3 coming up in May 2022, although there may be some concern about the kind of form that the Canadian fighter will be in as he enters that fight.
He will be going up against an experienced fighter who has a record of 28-15-0, which is perhaps why there may be some thinking about placing a sports bet on the action when it takes place in the coming weeks.
Online gambling has boomed in Ontario recently due to the province’s decision to legally permit the activity, and with “The Red King” in action, there should be plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports betting for Ontario MMA fans next month should they wish to place a bet on the fighter’s first bout for almost a year.
Naturally, there will be some that are concerned, however, when they take into account some of the best matches he has had, there may be some that fancy seeing MacDonald come out victorious in his fight, and will potentially be looking to back the competitor from British Columbia, Canada.
Rory MacDonald’s Top 5 Matches
As mentioned, MacDonald has managed to compile a number of impressive victories on his resume, with some of those having been achieved via some sensational performances in the ring. Let’s take a look at his top five matches:
1. Vs. Robbie Lawler (UFC 189)
Rory MacDonald took on Robbie Lawler at UFC 189 and the fight was an absolute war, as both men left everything they had in the Octagon. In the end, it was Lawler who emerged victorious via knockout in the fifth round.
Despite the loss, MacDonald put on a brave performance and showed that he was still one of the best welterweights in the world, the fight was ranked the Greatest Fight of All Time, and the Greatest Welterweight MMA Fight of All Time, as well as the Best MMA Fight of the Year for 2015.
2. Vs. Nate Diaz (UFC 129)
In one of the most thrilling fights in recent memory, Rory MacDonald took on Nate Diaz at UFC 129.
After a back-and-forth battle, it was MacDonald who emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The victory was a huge one for MacDonald, as he proved that he could hang with one of the best strikers in the business.
3. Vs. Demian Maia (UFC 170)
In another exciting bout, Rory MacDonald faced off against Demian Maia at UFC 170. The fight went the distance, with MacDonald coming out on top via unanimous decision.
The victory was a big one for MacDonald, as he again proved that he could compete with the best in the business.
4. Vs. Tarec Saffiedine (UFC Fight Night 54)
Rory MacDonald took on Tarec Saffiedine at UFC Fight Night 54. The fight was an exciting one, with both men exchanging shots throughout.
In the end, it was MacDonald who emerged victorious as he stopped his opponent in Round 3. The victory was significant for MacDonald, as it further cemented his place as one of the premier welterweights globally.
5. Vs. Tyron Woodley (UFC 174)
In another bout against a top welterweight, Rory MacDonald took on Tyron Woodley at UFC 174. This fight was thrilling, with both men trading shots throughout. In the end, it was MacDonald who emerged the winner via unanimous decision.
This victory was just as important as the others MacDonald had, as it again showed that he had carved out his niche and his unequivocal place in MMA.
