UFC Fight Night 54 results: Rory MacDonald stops Tarec Saffiedine

The Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) latest foray into a new market in Canada, this time Halifax, Nova Scotia, was led by a man the promotion hopes can be a big star one day, at least in his home country, Rory MacDonald. He did battle against former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Tarec Saffiedine in the main event of last night's (Sat., Oct. 4, 2014) UFC Fight Night 54 showcase at the Scotiabank Centre

It was a big fight too, considering Saffiedine, despite this being just his second fight of the past two years, had momentum with a five-fight win streak. "Ares", meanwhile, was eager to get his name back in the discussion for a welterweight title shot with a third straight victory.

He did just that.

The end was sudden. It took a few somewhat plodding rounds to get there, as the finish came in the third round thanks to an overhand right clipping Saffiedine on the temple and a follow up left hook all the way from his hip all but shutting Tarec down. The follow up punches were what ultimately earned the finish and they came easy to a clearly compromised foe.

And just like that, MacDonald earned his first stoppage victory since April of 2012.

So what's next?

For his part, the Canadian asked for a title shot, saying he believes it "goes without saying" that he's next in line. Do you agree, Maniacs?

For complete UFC Fight Night 54 results, recaps, and reactions click here.