Canadian welterweight Rory MacDonald to face Paul Daley in Bellator debut
TORONTO — Former UFC welterweight contender Rory (Red King) MacDonald is returning to action, promising to make his Bellator debut in May a “bloodbath.”
The 27-year-old B.C. native, who now makes his home in Montreal, will meet veteran English fighter Paul (Semtex) Daley in the main event of Bellator 179 on May 19 at London’s SSE Arena.
It’s the first outing for MacDonald (18-4-0) since letting his UFC contract expire and signing with Bellator, the sport’s No. 2 promotion in North America.
MacDonald, who went 9-4-0 in the UFC, last fought in June 2016 when he lost a decision to Stephen (Wonderboy) Thompson in Ottawa in a battle of top 170-pound contenders. When he signed with Bellator last August, he said he didn’t expect to fight until this July — to spend time with his new baby daughter and allow his oft-battered nose time to heal.