Ultimate Fighting Chanpionship (UFC) Welterweight Rory MacDonald may have exited the Octagon at UFC 189 without champion Robbie Lawler's belt, but he left a winner.
The idea of MacDonald earning a consolation prize based on effort probably doesn't ease the pain of his fifth-round technical knockout loss, but it helps explain where "Red King" currently resides within the 170-pound division. Because even though he lost to "Ruthless," MacDonald elevated his game to new heights.
However, MacDonald hasn't stepped foot inside of the cage since UFC 189. With an ultra-important divisional bout scheduled for later tonight (Sat., June 18, 2016) opposite Stephen Thompson at UFC Fight Night 89 in Ottawa, Canada, MacDonald will have his opportunity to reclaim Octagon glory after 11 months in hibernation.
"I've just been enjoying training and really got to focus on my weaknesses, sharpen them up," said MacDonald in a recent interview with FOX Sports' Megan Olivi following UFC Fight Night 89's weigh ins (shown above). "Obviously I have a baby on the way, so it's just a combination of those two."
The Canadian superstar also understands that defeating someone as popular and puzzling as Thompson will be a great way to maintain his promotional presence.
"I think his [Stephen Thompson] win streak and how much hype is around him right now is perfect," added MacDonald. "Beating a guy like him going into a contract negotiation is huge for me. Beating a guy like him raises my stake."
Whoever wins the main event at UFC Fight Night 89 will be sure to challenger for the Welterweight title next time around.
For complete UFC Fight Night 89 coverage and analysis click here.
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