UFC legend Rory MacDonald retired from MMA at 33 and he’s not often ever seemed again.
The previous Bellator welterweight champion is without doubt one of the sport’s largest what-ifs for what adopted his epic title rematch towards Robbie Lawler at UFC 189 in 2015.
Thought of ‘probably the most vicious struggle in UFC historical past’ for MacDonald’s damaged nostril, Lawler’s cut up open lip and a lot blood, many believe MacDonald was never quite the same after a brutal fifth-round TKO loss.
MacDonald retired from MMA in 2022 after a 2-4 stint within the PFL. Earlier than his warfare with Lawler, a 25-year-old MacDonald was considered Canada’s subsequent Georges St-Pierre. MacDonald was at one level 18-2 as a professional with high-level abilities and wins over BJ Penn, Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz.
Now 35, MacDonald was welcomed again to the UFC, not as an lively fighter (like some followers wish to see), however as a substitute a visitor speaker at UFC 315.
There, one of many UFC’s most violent rivals was requested if he’d ever return to the Octagon…
Rory MacDonald says he doesn’t have the ‘drive’ or ‘depth’ to compete within the UFC anymore
Nearly 9 years faraway from his final UFC look towards Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson and three years into his retirement, MacDonald is brutally trustworthy on the thought of preventing within the UFC once more.
“I imply, infrequently, [the itch] has come again,” MacDonald mentioned at a UFC 315 Q&A.
“However shortly after, after I truly give it some thought and what it entails, I’m not that type of particular person anymore.
“I don’t have the drive, the depth it takes to be at a championship stage anymore.
“Typically it’s good to dream while you’re having a whole lot of espresso or one thing, however when the fact comes again right down to it… no, it’s not for me anymore,” MacDonald mentioned of a UFC return.
Rory MacDonald has no plans for a UFC comeback and admits MMA “just isn’t for me anymore.”
“I am that type of particular person anymore. I haven’t got the drive, the depth.” pic.twitter.com/BFF9DuHcR1
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 9, 2025
Rory MacDonald’s life after the UFC
As soon as the second-best welterweight on this planet, MacDonald entered free company in 2016 and signed with Bellator MMA the place he grew to become the promotion’s champion in his second struggle.
MacDonald defeated the likes of Paul Daley and Douglas Lima earlier than difficult for middleweight gold towards former UFC fighter Gegard Mousasi. He’d lose by second-round TKO.
MacDonald went 1-1-1 in his subsequent three fights and misplaced his title to Lima of their rematch in 2019.
The Canadian wouldn’t have any luck within the PFL the place he dropped 4 of his final 5 fights, calling it a profession after a first-round TKO loss to Dilano Taylor in Aug. 2022.
Fortunately retired, Rory MacDonald is a household man who spends his days managing plenty of rental properties and day-trading.
