Rory MacDonald – Canada’s anticipated successor to Georges St-Pierre will finally compete for the UFC Welterweight Championship, the crown of which was vacated by his predecessor and Tristar Gym team mate last December.
UFC President Dana White recently told the Canadian press that MacDonald will face the winner of UFC 181’s highly anticipated rematch of current champion Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler on Dec. 6. Hendricks claimed the vacant crown at UFC 171 in Dallas, Texas on March. 15 with a unanimous decision victory over Lawler in what was a highly competitive bout.
White explained that he was impressed by MacDonald (18-2) after the ‘Canadian Psycho’ most recently dispatched of Tarec Saffiedine – a striking specialist and former Strikeforce Champion who had not tasted defeat since 2011 until suffering a third round TKO at the hands of MacDonald who currently stands as the #2 ranked welterweight contender.
The 25-year-old has previously faced current title challenger Lawler once before, losing a split-decision at UFC 167 last year. MacDonald recovered from just the second defeat of his career by accumulating victories over the likes of former middleweight title challenger Damian Maia, and fearsome prospect Tyron Woodley prior to facing Saffiedine.
White said that the contest would “without a doubt” take place in Canada. A date and location is yet to be confirmed however, the UFC is expected to feature in Montreal next year in March.
