Rory MacDonald wants ‘big fights’ with Fedor Emelianenko and Wanderlei Silva

Rory MacDonald finally made his Bellator MMA debut yesterday (Fri., May 19, 2017) at Bellator 179 and did everything in his power to stick out. Not only did the former UFC welterweight title challenger smack Paul Daley around before submitting him in the second round in front of a hungry London crowd, but “Red King” aimed his crosshairs at two MMA legends following the conclusion of Bellator 179.

“I want to be a champion, a two-division champion if I can,” MacDonald said to press members backstage (transcription courtesy of champions.co). “Outside of that, I want the big fights. If I can fight the legendary fighters that are around and in Bellator then sign me up. I think they will be fan friendly fights. A young up and coming champions fighting legends—I think that sells. Fedor, Wanderlei, those are big guys and I think fans would want to see that.”

While MacDonald’s debut victory over “Semtex” assures him the next crack at Bellator welterweight gold, the 27-year-old is already setting his sights on bigger game. We really don’t know if the Canadian would be able to pack on muscle to fight either Fedor Emelianenko at heavyweight or Wanderlei Silva at light heavyweight, but MacDonald seems all in at this point.

“The train is ready to keep rolling,” MacDonald said. “I’ve got some momentum now and I’m ready to take fights all the time. Bellator are very clear because I’m on them all the time, [I want] future fights, here, here, and here. Whether it’s weight classes up and whenever possible you know. I’m always bugging them and they know what’s up.”

As long as MacDonald can stay healthy and continues to evolve every aspect of his game, there’s no reason why he can’t run away with the Bellator crown and fight anyone north of 170 pounds that he wishes. But MacDonald must first defeat either current champion Douglas Lima or top contender Lorenz Larkin to claim the welterweight title and solidify his promotional worth.