Retrospective: Rory MacDonald - Full Episode - Facing Nate Diaz, Robbie Lawler, BJ Penn and More

fightnetwork.com/ - Former UFC welterweight contender Rory MacDonald reflects on his first bouts in the UFC, bouncing back from his first loss vs. Carlos Condit, moving to Montreal to train with Georges St-Pierre and TriStar, facing Nate Diaz, B.J. Penn, Robbie Lawler and more in Retrospective.
New episodes of Retrospective air Wednesdays on Fight Network.
For additional coverage of MMA, boxing and pro-wrestling check out fightnetwork.com/ or follow us on Twitter at / fightnet or find us on Facebook at / fightnetwork

[@brians7901]

Worst roster decision the ufc ever made is letting this kid go. Rory vs Robbie 2 is the best fight I have ever seen

[@jonny00k]

They did not cut him he did not resign....nice try tho

[@jalenherring2405]

Shit imagine a 3rd time 💯💯💯

[@johnnycash187]

Absolutely agree, obviously Rory was being hurt financially by Reebok and wanted to make more money but the UFC should’ve done whatever possible to get him to stay. He’s the elite of the elite and deserves to be paid well for it. The fact that they wouldn’t pay him what he wanted is fucking shameful. Unless of course he was asking an absurd amount but if Bellator can afford him, the UFC damn sure can. It just sucks because we’re not going to see Rory face the level of competition he should be facing. I don’t criticize the UFC very often, I get why they make a lot of tough calls but this one is just really bad.

[@carstenlarsen1939]

So nice to hear an honest athlete

[@redeyejedi9504]

I think they might have thought his nose is ruined and that he wouldn't ever be the same.

[@ivanyost6395]

This show completely changed my perception of Rory MacDonald. I always thought he was a good fighter but this interview was so deep and intense that I have a new elevated respect for Rory. Wow, just wow

[@bananablast2959]

I completely agree, this was very powerful stuff and I don't think I've ever seen Rory this open before.

[@bradg2069]

I always liked him, & I remember the second Robbie Lawler fight. I loved him talking about it though, because I had such a different idea of what went down, and now he changed it. This is the guy we need to watch. He doesn't Talk, he just fights.

[@chetfreeland1920]

Ivan Yost he's ok but he'd be way cooler if he acted like a giant douche got shitty tats and had rehearsed lines

[@Unknown98832]

i agree 100%

[@zackgarcia5471]

Ivan Yost watch the fights he loses. Always says thankyou and respect. Always says I'll take this loss and better myself. Very humble in nature. Dead set legend!

[@alifg.9988]

His mind and mental are stronger than his body can take

[@vintincrows6909]

Sir. Funnik, flat out, he's one of the toughest bastards out there!

[@cted.c1732]

Sir. Funnik his mind and mental ....

[@TranscendentalTunes]

Those were my exact thoughts going into the Mousasi fight

[@GKJusticar55]

Dude looks so shy. Makes it scarier. I also appreciate the Mozart.

[@nicksiple5402]

I absolutely love this and Rory for his blunt honesty which is truly refreshing. thank you Fight Network & Rory McDonald for this epic video.

[@vintincrows6909]

"If you're fighting a crazy person, they might enjoy it while your hitting them" -- Rory One of the funniest MMA-oriented statements ever.

[@warmanmma]

Refreshing to hear a fighter admitting that he was broken in a fight.

[@SuburbanProprane]

Tyler Warman he's a smart man

[@lukeism2]

No ego

[@thomasj5956]

He wasn't broken, well I mean his nose was broken but if you mean his fighting spirit, then no. It's actually the opposite. He fought till his last breath almost, he didn't give up either. He was just gassed out at the end, understandably, and his adrenaline was all gone so he felt the hits to his nose.

[@AlanMichaelJackson]

And still thinks he didn't go out on his shield in that fight, insane warrior.

[@sgt.lincolnosiris4111]

@Bob smith he collapsed after that final left from lawler broke his orbital. If youve ever broken your orbital you'll know how excrusiating that pain is. Had mine broken by a skim board and had a black eye for 5 months.

[@justsayin7937]

Why didnt they mention when Rory beat Woodley's ass?

[@PheseantNetsuke]

Nothing interesting to note I guess, Woodley only has a overhand right and when you seal that he's done

[@jeremysmithers6119]

@@PheseantNetsuke imagine if Rory stayed in the UFC long enough to fight Woodley again for the belt.

[@TheSchmuel]

Rory is the man! Very likable down to earth guy. Not too much talk just skill and heart. I hope more fighters move to Bellator and the UFC has to take notice. Drop the Reebok deal and let the fighters wear private sponsorship... OR pay them a lot more. If Reebok can't cough up the money then get a new sponsor with some coin

[@vintincrows6909]

samuel rogers, you aren't lying. These guys need more scratch, period.

[@nuggett3469]

Humble legend miss ya MacDonald shame ufc cut someone as skilled and down to earth as you

[@davidolsen6328]

nuggett He was not cut, his contract ended and Bellator offered more money. Simple as that

[@Exposinggoodandbad1]

@@davidolsen6328 people don’t like researching. They have to use too many brain cells.

[@theshogun818]

That was the best Rory interview i have ever seen. He is normally so hard to get to talk, so a cool thing he is doing this.

[@PheseantNetsuke]

@Glenn BL they ask him questions about then edit it to make it seem like he's reminiscing, it's very well done

[@ladicius]

He's been my favorite fighter for as long as I can remember. Thanks to whoever was behind the making of this, and thanks to Rory. This was extremely entertaining for me.

[@spacecowboy6707]

While he's being interviewed he sort of looks like a smaller version of Brendan Schaub. Baby Brown!!!

[@spacecowboy6707]

@CoNnErW 125 he really does

[@adami8114]

By far my favourite series on KZbin.Great work FN!

[@willjamesb]

By far my favorite fighter. Great work Bellator (for shame UFC)

[@thejohnboyglasgow]

Will Byrne paul daley then Rory top level

[@orangeiceice12]

Rory "When I'm locked into a staredown with somebody, I think aggressive things" MacDonald

[@mohamedelmountassir6753]

waaaaaaw this guy is so honest.

[@johnnolan5571]

Most humble fighter I've ever seen, first time I seen rory was in a interview, he was asked what's the best feeling about being a ufc fighter, he said "seeing people look up to him as he looked up to fighters that he admired", he's a great genuine guy

[@MightyJoeNolan]

Great to see these "Retrospective" episodes here. Thanks so much for posting. Rory is one of my favorite fighters. I love the he'll flat-out talk about "GLORY" when asked about what motivates him. #Warrior #RedKing

[@andrew12494]

@13:43 When he starts talking about the Robbie fight, along with the classical music, it sorta reminded me of A Clockwork Orange.

[@jamalydude]

Andrew Marquez fuck man I love that movie and book! Rory and Robbie were enjoying a little bit of the old ultra violence

[@PheseantNetsuke]

The guy directing those vids is a genius, shame they don't get MMA fighters to do more of those

[@Osiris0925]

Full episodes are way better then the segments. Good job on this.

[@Budsport_TV]

27 years old & such a storied career! Hope he comes back to the UFC at some point... it'd be a shame not being able to see him fight against high lvl competition every time out for the rest of his career

[@RickSanchez-mp8ou]

The ufc are stupid cutting Rory.

[@canihaveasodaandamcchicken6487]

They didn't cut him, Rory WANTED to go

[@armcollector1580]

dj dak he didn't wanna go. Bellator made him an offer and he went to the UFC to see if they would match it and they told him no.

[@FizzleyFizz]

he has a kid, money is more important to him than gold or glory now.

[@cornking6]

You have it backwards. The UFC made the first offer (as is part of their contract). He then went to Bellator and they offered him more.

[@orangevanilla5699]

they chose the reebok deal over him lol

[@constructivecritique4049]

What a fucking monster Rory is. And, a great dude, to boot. He's got a great sense of humor, too.

[@alexasilveira4101]

+Bob Mills yeah his complete and total dismantling of the current champ was utter shit

[@nugget22gil39]

your right ne nearly won a title but he sucks yea ok dumbass

[@justinjakimiak1998]

Unfairly reffed by Mario yamasaki? Nooooooooooooo way

[@jeremyscott9578]

Yeah imagine that

😆😆😆

[@nbngblaise6405]

"Mario was never my friend" - Dana "Call Girl" Red

[@Nipa10]

Lol!!

[@systematik]

Yeah, because Mario Yamasaki is well known to unfairly ref........SMH. People didn't even know who Mario was before he was shit on by Dana White for that WMMA fight he didn't stop, so don't spin excuses that support Rory's excuses for why he lost. Rory is an overrated 3rd tier fighter who just got smooshed by Jon Fitch, literally smooshed by a guy that's 108 years old, and previously smooshed by Gegard, he wasn't treated wrongly, he's just not good enough to convincingly beat anyone. His only notable win in his career is beating a pre-Duke Roufus Tyron, that's it, he beat a guy who didn't know how to box yet, every other fight he was in against a legit champion he got smooshed, and easily.

[@belowpip420]

still surprised, that UFC was willing to let him go rather than paying him more money. He's a home grown talent, that they've invested a lot in over the years....then they let him go without offering him shit. It's odd that he's not in the ufc anymore.

[@zimikkachui5766]

It wasn't about the pay. He had already made decision long before the UFC even offered any amount. He had decided to go to Bellator because of the sponsorship money he could earn. He got lower pay at Bellator but the sponsorship deals are much better and higher. It's not about his pay/contract.

[@1994mrmysteryman]

@@zimikkachui5766 watch his interviews. It was definitely about the pay. Stop making stuff up.

[@joseph4043]

@@zimikkachui5766 you contradicted yourself there bud

[@vadimarushanov2246]

Such an honest, humble, honorable and strong warrior, Rory is one of my all time favorite fighters!

[@tubadude07]

I love how chill he was explaining that Robbie hits hard but I never was buzzed, just my facial structure. Even crazier that Rory dismantled Tyron and then Tyron goes on to starch Robbie. WW is madness.

[@shootahmaccg7139]

These retrospective videos are incredible! Great to hear the emotional roller coaster these fighters go through

[@avatar5068]

There's something indestructible about SINCERITY!!!

[@ajaxSAF]

Rory is the man

[@scawfan1]

This was Really well put together. Excellent job.

[@KevinHernandez-qz8sb]

Appreciate mma fighters especially the elite ones. These guys put it out on the line, someone wins and someone loses. It's a reality that not everyone can be the best. But most of the time they try to be and damage their bodies and minds in the process. Much respect.

[@dusidupraveen3674]

thank you for being an amazing fighter and a humble guy. Respect to both Rory and Robbie

[@ghomeishy]

Thank you Fight Network for uploading this on KZbin. We don't get FN in Germany and this is an excellent piece of work

[@supratimsinha942]

He said people wouldn't remember him at the end. People will definitely remember him for his incredible toughness and true fighting spirit.

[@diegot143]

good human being. Good luck!!

[@anthonypicc1]

i love when fighters do these kind of videos. love seeing into the mind of a great fighter. one of the best imo

[@wurstblinker7364]

Man, what a likeable dude he is! Great interview.

[@victorrojas6154]

Simply fantastic and humble to the core. A real super hero, the like's that will be hard to emulate.

[@InfectedoOG]

This guy is a fucking monster. He has to go down in the history books, he just has to. What a fighter, man.

[@MrFrostyDwarf]

Massive respect for Rory after this interview, didn't know he was so honest and humble, wish we got to see more of him and his personality

[@machussle408]

Warrior

[@erikbondarenko5304]

rory is legit tougher than his human skeleton

[@MrRemixV3]

Yeah. Sucks he's not like that anymore

[@joegrills9458]

Well said

[@rkenshin364]

@@MrRemixV3 Everyone cracks eventually

[@Khaos969]

That sounds odd but makes total sense

[@ackack3829]

He’s also a humble fighter. Which is huge

[@JamesMotorsport]

so much respect for that guy

[@deki778]

What a great fighter. Great analysis of the fight and great humbleness. Admirable.

[@chelseaaugustus1109]

Big fan of Rory's honesty. Hope you're back in the UFC soon.

[@5150JamesA]

Awesome video all around! Rory is such a interesting dude...I wish him the best

[@cattalkbmx]

Glad Rory stood up for himself and left, hopefully he finds the success and respect he has earned and deserves.

absolutely genuine interview

[@Grimy_Aaronarr]

Don't know much about this guy, but I have a lot of respect for him. He's a true inspiration.

[@camflem925]

Great interview and the editing was fantastic. Well done

[@MrRaErickson]

I was at his fight vs Diaz in Toronto. He was right, the crowd went nuts after every suplex. Great atmosphere.

[@willywatcher2479]

Amazing fighter, excellent interview

[@joshuawhinery208]

“I never got rocked in my brain, it was more just my facial structure breaking..heh, heh” Daaaang! Forgot how nonchalantly savage Rory is!

[@miasma5552]

Every time I go back and watch this I have renewed respect for the red king. And this guy has true talent. And his basic down to earth demeanor is refreshing. He is who he is, and wants to fight well. The guy is a natural fighter

[@burlhorse61]

this is such a deep interview-thanks

[@m0thdm]

"Robbie hits very hard.... but in that second fight I never got rocked. It was more my facial structure breaking" - the Red King

[@TheFlysly54]

True warrior that tells it like it is. He's very honest with himself, and I'm sure it helps him grow as a person and a fighter. Much respect

[@yssurys]

this is awesome! i love rory... good luck in bellator!! get your money right rory!

[@erikbarrett85]

Be cool if this interview had happened AFTER he won the Bellator belt. I'd LOVE to hear him talk about THAT battle

[@RoPiris]

Rory is a beast. Very exciting athlete.

[@mattdomio4801]

Brother! You are legit! You are an honest open character that's left an absolute awesome legacy! One of the greatest

[@MoeSmoke]

man I wish the best for Rory in Belletor he's the man and easily one of the most technically sound MMA fighters on the planet. that is his legacy without a doubt a technical samari

[@squishyfaceguy]

I love Rory's calm demeanor

[@steventoth2368]

Very humble man! Great fighter and martial artist.

[@daniellelemond7426]

Rory is a rare gem in the fight game. Honest, respectful and tough as nails. He has great skills and cardio as well. The UFC should re-sign him for a few more years.

[@Quazi-Moto]

Major props to Rory. He's actually the type of fighter I like the most: a humble badass. To Hades with words. This sport is not about who is the best trash talker.

[@johanjarry7531]

"It's not turning off respect, it's turning on aggression"

[@japaras]

Lawler vs. MacDonald 2 the greatest fight of all time no doubt.

[@joshuapiatkiewicz7523]

Love this guy, he's an amazing fighter and seems super genuine. #bigfan

[@cambristow9455]

Straight from bristish columbia, canada🇨🇦

[@immiked4702]

Really good piece. How are 22 people disliking this

[@sa1nt_john.v1]

You never cared to leave a legacy but still did rory. I still mention your heart when me and the buddy's talk ufc. This guy never backed down and never gave a disappointed performace. Absolute warrior to the end ands down and still one of my favorite fighters. still one of the best fights I've ever seen. Would be really cool if you saw this comment I'd just like to say thank you for the memories.

[@RV103]

Rory is the man. Definitely one of my favorite fighters. Great skill set, exciting to watch, very well rounded fighter. Should be UFC WW champ by now

[@lauriestevenson2476]

@rorymcdonald - You've come a long way, and are always great to watch. Thanks for giving us Canadians a fighter to follow.

[@dchoney9435]

So humble and grounded. Greatness should never shout, it should only whisper.

[@George-xb5ey]

Absolute killer, you will always will be one of the greats Rory, your mental game is something to really admire.

[@F11ch]

This ''retrospective'' series are awesome. Good job creating content. I'm subbing from here on out

[@noahelcatedratico7276]

i always liked rory hes a tough sob he knows how to speak is honest and humble you sir have my respect this was a good 22:30 of my life and some of the stories of his fights and his expression shows what fighters go thru and not alot of people understand its not easy being a fighter is fun but tough as hell.

[@ozzmanrocks1]

I think Rory's idea of "fun" and my idea of "fun" are entirely different. Its awesome to get a perspective on whats going through Rory's mind; honest and insightful. THUMBS UP!

[@damondziewiontkowski5623]

Tough as nails. GSP and MacDonald make me proud to be Canadian.

[@paulcheney4114]

They should they are terrific people. Also your prime minister is a not a good Canadian he's an absolute shit house sorry just my opinion

[@AkamapD]

@@paulcheney4114 i dont remember anyone asking

[@lennybmillard7544]

Why did they miss woodley and ellenberger fights if not more

[@analterror3224]

Cuz he's annoying

[@bushisback112]

@@analterror3224 What a stupid reply to a 2 year old comment get a life you goof

[@mightymac1005]

The Woodley fight is probably the most boring fight of all time

[@Lamedvavnik]

7:04....*of how I will dispose of his corpse... Shit I can't say that* " uh... I look for openings..."

[@jonny2hotty378]

Ya boy Yoda

[@MrPoznano]

Glad to see I'm not the only huge Rory fan, this guy is a lot of people's favourite fighter, and I'm very disappointed not to see him in the UFC any more.

[@Mickodwyer100]

Great vid - respect to Rory, warrior!!!

[@ryanbiggs5479]

Amazing video

[@Mr.Morten]

Great video!

[@seanh2115]

Im a huge fan rory and from van vacationed in k town many a summer. Your fight vs lawler who iam also a huge fan of was one of the most sensational wars i have ever witnessed. Your skill. Intelligence and respectful attitude and the way you carry yourself is a testament to your character and all of us in bc are proud of you brother!

[@dstenberg]

this is my favourite mma fighter now. really honest and if i was an mma fighter i would be most scared to meet him. brutal guy in the ring with great technique but honest and down to earth outside, and i like that

[@xxnf99987]

Rory you're awesome dude very humble

[@bjaminstaples]

Damn man you can still hear his nose... Warrior though fucking warrior

[@CZESAR99]

This dude is a very nice dude cool energy humble dude

[@arnoldlivshits2315]

Easily this is one of the best shows that gives you something real about MMA. The pro wrestling episodes are interesting too and I don't like pro wrestling. Great show.

[@getsmart3701]

Monster martial artist....intense guy and a deep thinker. One of the most complete dudes in professional fighting. Huge respect.

[@cottonshot137]

This was great! Hope they do a shitload more of these. Rory is one of the best to ever do it. RESPECT

[@patrickcrawford6392]

Rory shut Diaz up HARD with those supplexes.

[@marctaykir7258]

Rory is a true mma artist even though he got smashed a few times he's still a monster & he look like a soft white boy the normal guy would underestimate him & get killed in 30 seconds he beat the shit out of wood & murdered Nate Rory is a true monster in this sport he should not go to bellator he should stay in the ufc

[@grindpapi]

Marc Taykir lmao true! "Gimme Your money nerd" RIP the guy who will say that to him 😂

[@M40101]

True, any outsider in their fight Rory vs Woodley would have bet on Woodley for been the stronger big black guy against the baby face white boy, but Rory smoked Woodley like an apprentice.

[@xHopshotx]

Rory vs Lawler 2 was hands down to this day one of the most bloody face changing greatest fights I have ever seen.

[@CO2K1]

That was awesome. Was a fan before... but even bigger fan now!

[@BlazeIsBOSS]

always had huge respect, good dude

[@marcusmayhew8649]

Rory is the GOAT 🙌🙌🙌