Rory MacDonald to Bellator not quite a done deal
ANAHEIM, California — Contrary to published reports, Rory MacDonald’s free-agent deal with Bellator MMA is not yet official.
“Hopefully it will be done soon,” Bellator president Scott Coker told the Review-Journal on Thursday.
MacDonald, a perennial contender in the UFC’s crowded welterweight division, lost the last two fights on his contract with the organization. After he was knocked out by Robbie Lawler in the fifth round of a thrilling title bout in July 2015, the 27-year-old Canadian lost a unanimous decision to Stephen Thompson in June.
According to Coker, MacDonald agreed to terms on an offer sheet with Bellator several days ago.
The UFC has 10 days to decide whether to match the offer, but can waive that period by providing an answer. A spokesman for the organization told the Review-Journal MacDonald’s team was informed earlier this week the UFC does not intend to match the offer.
That information has apparently not yet reached Coker.
“We haven’t received a yay or nay yet,” said Coker, who indicated the 10-day period expires early next week.
MacDonald was removed from the official UFC rankings this week.
“I’m hearing a lot of rumors that they’re not going to match it,” Coker said. “If they don’t, then we’ll sign him.”
The signing of MacDonald would follow the acquisition of former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and former UFC heavyweight contender Matt Mitirone earlier this year. Henderson, who lost his Bellator debut in April, will fight Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in the main event of Bellator 160 at Honda Center on Friday.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow @adamhilllvrj on Twitter.
