PFL signs former UFC, Bellator megastar Rory MacDonald

Season two of the Professional Fighters League started with a rich deal with ESPN for broadcasting rights. It will end with one of the most gifted athletes in MMA joining the organization. It was announced that Rory MacDonald has signed an exclusive, multi-fight contract with the PFL.

While terms of the deal weren’t announced, it is expected to be one of the biggest in the PFL’s history. ESPN was the first to report the news. MacDonald will be competing in the welterweight division and will look to win the $1 million prize at the end of the year.

“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.”

MacDonald (21-6-1) is coming off of a unanimous decision loss to Douglas Lima at Bellator 232 during the finals of the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix. He ended up 3-2-1 with the promotion, winning the Welterweight Title once. MacDonald ended his UFC run at 9-4. Debuting at 20 years old, MacDonald has been a part of some of the most brutal battles in MMA history.

It will be interesting to see which MacDonald we show up to the PFL. It was not that long ago where MacDonald had a desire to not fight anymore. Fighting multiple times a year could go either way for the “Red King”, something to keep an eye on.

The PFL Welterweight World Title will be defended on New Year’s Eve inside Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater. Ray Cooper III will be facing off against David Michaud.