Rory MacDonald exits Bellator, signs with PFL

Rory MacDonald has ended his free agency by signing an exclusive contract with the Professional Fighters League.

News of the move was first reported by the PFL’s broadcast partner at ESPN as MacDonald leaves Bellator MMA where he was the former welterweight champion and one-time middleweight title contender.

It’s a surprising move for the 30-year-old Canadian, who fought out his contract with Bellator in October when he lost a unanimous decision to Douglas Lima in the finals of the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix.

Even after that loss, MacDonald still seemed confident he would return to Bellator where he had fought six times over the past two years after joining the Viacom-owned promotion following a lengthy stint with the UFC.

Now MacDonald will join the PFL where he will undoubtedly become a prohibitive favorite in the welterweight division when season 3 starts in 2020.

MacDonald is currently 21-6-1 in his career including notable wins over Paul Daley, Tyron Woodley and Demian Maia.

He jumps into a welterweight division that will see former UFC fighter David Michaud take on Ray Cooper in the current season finals on Dec. 31 with the winner taking home the $1 million grand prize.