Former UFC star Rory MacDonald is looking to capture his first major MMA world title when he challenges Douglas “The Phenom” Lima for the Bellator welterweight title on January 20th. MacDonald has only had one fight with the promotion, but has already set some pretty lofty goals for himself.
In a recent interview, MacDonald talked about his plans to defeat Lima, then move up to 185lbs and challenge for that title, as well as a trip to 205lbs in a attempt to become a three division world champion.
“I’d go for three, I’d fight [Ryan] Bader.” MacDonald told MMAfigting.com on Tuesday.
“That’s gonna be my home, that’s where I fit. I’m not a massive guy. I’d be a small middleweight, it would be a joke to see me at light heavyweight, but I still think I beat them.”
Bellator knows MacDonald’s future aspirations in the promotion, but has a tall task in front of him before he can plan any future moves.
“I think they’re not getting too far ahead of themselves,” MacDonald said. “But I’ve brought it up to them. They know my intentions and stuff. We’ll see when I get there. I’ve got a big fight here with this guy. I’ll take care of that first and go from there. But in my mind’s eye, I see that.”
Rory first needs to get by Bellator welterweight champion, Douglas Lima and is leaving things in the hands of his bosses at Bellator MMA. However, former UFC middleweighthrh Gegard Mousasi is another possible name on his radar.
“I can’t guarantee you that,” MacDonald said. “At the end of the day, it’s Bellator’s decision. My motivation is yes. My choice is yes, but I also have a promoter to work with. This isn’t just me calling the shots here, but if I could, I would.”
Despite the massive size difference, MacDonald is confident he could go all the way up to light heavyweight and be successful, and that includes current Bellator 205lb champion Ryan “Darth” Bader.
“I’m not too worried about it,” MacDonald stated. “I’ll figure it out. I’ll make the weight class, that’s for sure — 192 or something.”
