News Summary
Rory MacDonald, a renowned MMA fighter and UFC Hall of Famer, has announced his return to full-time training after his retirement in August 2022. While he enjoys training and mentoring young fighters, MacDonald clarifies that he has no immediate plans to compete in professional mixed martial arts. Reflecting on his past accomplishments and the changes in his mentality, he emphasizes his commitment to personal fulfillment through martial arts rather than pursuing a competitive career.
Montreal – Rory MacDonald, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts and a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, has announced his return to full-time training after retiring from competition in August 2022. Despite stepping back into training, MacDonald has made it clear that he has no immediate plans to compete again in professional mixed martial arts.
MacDonald has not participated in a fight since his retirement following a challenging period with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he ended with a record of 2-4. During a recent appearance on a popular MMA podcast, he shared his renewed passion for training, stating that he currently enjoys his time back in martial arts.
While engaging in training sessions two to three times a day, MacDonald emphasized that he is not preparing for a return to the octagon. He has experienced a resurgence in his passion for the sport but does not possess the intense drive necessary to compete at the highest levels, as he did earlier in his career. He reflected on his strong desire to compete, but also recognized a shift in his mentality, suggesting that he is not the same fighter he once was.
MacDonald’s career has been marked by many highlights, including an unforgettable rematch against Robbie Lawler at UFC 189, renowned in the MMA community for being one of the greatest fights in history. Following his tenure with the UFC, MacDonald became the welterweight champion in Bellator, although he faced challenges in another title shot where he was unsuccessful against Gegard Mousasi for the middleweight title.
At a recent UFC event’s Q&A session in Montreal, MacDonald expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the sport through coaching and mentoring younger fighters, which he finds fulfilling. This reflects a shift in focus towards helping the next generation of athletes rather than pursuing his own competitive goals.
Beyond MMA, the 35-year-old MacDonald is also managing other aspects of his life, including rental property management. He stated he trains to enjoy the sport personally rather than to prepare for any competition, further solidifying his position away from the competitive arena.
MacDonald’s relatively young age, by MMA standards, has led some to speculate about the possibility of a comeback. However, he has reiterated that he does not have the mental toughness or intensity needed to face the rigors of professional fighting anymore. While he occasionally considers the idea of returning to the cage, he promptly reminds himself of the changes he has undergone since his retirement.
In summary, Rory MacDonald is embracing his journey post-retirement, rediscovering his love for martial arts while stepping away from the pressures of professional competition. As he transitions into this new phase of life, he remains committed to supporting younger fighters and enjoying training purely for personal fulfillment.
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- Cageside Press: Rory MacDonald Admits Comeback Thoughts
- Google Search: Rory MacDonald
- Bloody Elbow: Rory MacDonald Addresses Reality of UFC Return
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rory MacDonald
- MMA Junkie: Rory MacDonald Shuts Down MMA Return
- Google Scholar: Rory MacDonald
- ESPN: The UFC’s 30 Best Fights, KOs, Comebacks, Upsets
- Google News: Rory MacDonald
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