Rory MacDonald

By FCF Staff

Rory MacDonald has said in recent weeks that he will pursue free agency, after he fights out his current UFC contract on June 18th, and the accomplished welterweight isn’t backing off from that stance.

MacDonald is booked to fight fellow contender Stephen Thompson on that date, at the UFC’s first card in Ottawa, Canada.  Recently MacDonald spoke with The Fight Network, and once again the 26 year-old relayed he plans to test the free agent market. The Canadian fighter also said the following (quote via MMA Fighting.com):

“I want big money fights because first and foremost I think I’m worth it. I think I bring a lot to the table, I think I bring a lot of viewers. I think I’m the guy in the Canadian market right now, and I think that is a huge factor that is forgotten in some negotiations, but you know, we’re gonna see how it plays out.”

The Tristar fighter also said that he respects Conor McGregor for “getting what he’s worth…Not just accepting what’s thrown at you. Standing up for yourself.”

MacDonald (18-3) hasn’t fought since last July when he was stopped by reigning welterweight champ Robbie Lawler, which was widely hailed as one of the best fights of the year.