Rory MacDonald recently claimed that he wanted to fight in Bellator’s star-studded heavyweight grand-prix next year, and based on new comments from the welterweight star it seems that he was serious about it.
“Yes. Absolutely,” MacDonald confirmed on The MMA Hour when asked if he was genuinely eager to participate in the tournament, which will also feature the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Frank Mir, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Chael Sonnen.
“I spoke with Scott Coker about it. He said they would maybe use me as an alternate if someone gets injured, and seeing how on my fight with (Douglas) Lima, obviously.
“I like my chances if someone gets injured or pulls out for whatever reason.”
MacDonald then went on to explain why he’s willing to risk jumping up no less than three weight classes to fight some of the heaviest hitters in the sport.
“I’ve always wanted to do a tournament. I think it would be interesting, kind of like old school. I know I’m going to be way undersized against these guys in the tournament, so it kind of brings back that old school UFC vibe. That’s always something that I’ve felt like would be interesting.
“I think the fans would find it interesting just to see the new school MMA with a touch of the old school.”
However, before any of this can even be seriously considered MacDonald will fight Douglas Lima for the Bellator welterweight title on January 20th after successfully making his promotional debut earlier this year, submitting Paul Daley in the second round.
