UFC Declines to Match Offer, Rory MacDonald Likely Headed to Bellator

Former UFC welterweight title contender Rory MacDonald appears to be headed to Bellator MMA.

It has been no secret that MacDonald fought out the final fight on his UFC deal when he lost to Stephen Thompson at UFC Fight Night 89 in June. It has also been no secret that Bellator had a strong interest in trying to secure MacDonald’s services once he was free to negotiate.

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MMAWeekly.com has confirmed an initial report by MMAFighting.com, that MacDonald has received an offer from Bellator, but remains under a matching period, where the UFC has the right to match any offer. MMAWeekly.com has also learned that the UFC declined to match that offer, freeing MacDonald to ink the deal with Bellator.

As of the time of publication, however, Bellator president Scott Coker told MMAWeekly.com that his promotion has not yet received word from the UFC that they have officially declined the offer.

“Once and if (UFC) officially decline, (then) we can sign Rory,” he said.

Though MacDonald’s camp had yet to respond to a request for comment, don’t be surprised if MacDonald is soon announced as the latest UFC veteran to make the move to Bellator.

MMAWeekly.com will provide further updates as the story develops.

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