Rory MacDonald On Retirement: 'You Can Only Take So Much Punishment Over the Years' - MMA Fighting

Former #Bellator welterweight champion, one-time #UFC title challenger and #PFL tournament vet Rory MacDonald joins the show to explain why he decided to hang up his gloves, when he started to think that his time to walk away was approaching, and the increasing damage he took that motivated him to retire. He also discusses his best moments, his regrets about his MMA career, and what his plans are for the future.
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[@alcottdevalte7440]

We must all appreciate this man for having entertained us throughout the years. Had potential for winning more belts but couldn't fully do it somehow. If you haven't already watched Rory vs Lawler 2; call your family and friends and tell them to watch this EPIC fight...

[@abemartinez9623]

My favorite fight of all time. Rory deserves his rest now

[@iamjp1]

he almost came back and finished robbie, it was close. robbie just wouldn't go out for a few years there. both legends. hof fight

[@Jake-gz6pw]

It's a rough one to get througb

[@LP3me]

The way he stood in the middle and stared at lawler after the 4th round

[@Ufcderlict]

Best fight in mma history

[@jackjill5252]

Prime Rory was a straight savage! So technical, well rounded and a crazy iron will! Man most fighters dream of having a moment like he had with Robbie, blood guts..starring at each other mid fight! So iconic..most fighters can't take it to that place inorder to have that moment

[@orthodoxboxing9159]

That’s because a fighter like Adesanya or Usman are too skilled to be in a fight to the death

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

@@orthodoxboxing9159 and both those guys only wish they could have a legendary EPIC war that will go down in the history of combat sports as one of the best. That fight alone is 100x more memorable than any fight Usman or Izzy have ever had in their careers and will be talked about for decades

[@justinsnow1821]

@@orthodoxboxing9159 Yeah watch Adesanya vs. Gastelum. Even Jon Jones and GSP have been in wars.

[@NOT-A-Monolith]

@@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI Usman been in wars and kinda dumb wanting to have fighters fight in a war all busted and get cte your a casual whom only want wars at the health of the fighter

[@NOT-A-Monolith]

@@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI Usman had one of the coldest K.O .moments one of the most seen Knockout pic's. That became a poster. Wars and more wars and not get a pay increase. Vs Usman who's making bank I feel bad for MacDonald dude speech changed and you can tell those fights effected him

[@KeithFarrell1993]

I remember watching Rory as a 20 year old kid looking like he was going to claim the world. What a career, I feel lucky to have watched it. He had a more interesting career than most UFC champions. Respect.

[@sukhdevr3489]

It looked like he was going to be champion after GSP, or Condit. He became much safer as he went older and of course the damage resulted in his decline too.

[@yumuddah8735]

church ruined his career

[@a3ephony654]

One of the greats. Sorry to see him go but glad he went out knowing it was time. Unlike some. Cheers for the memories Rory. Absolute warrior.

[@cathalking5391]

One of my overall favorite fighters of all time, so disappointed to see him retire but fully support him and wish nothing but the best in his new life with his family - what a a Legend👏✊🏼🔥🇮🇪🇨🇦.

[@yuggoof]

Rory is the one who got me into MMA, incredible career and role model.

[@j-wei4603]

What was the 1st fight of his that u watched?

[@yuggoof]

@@j-wei4603 His fight with Carlos Condit

[@Dom_C7591]

@@yuggoofthat was a great one, and it’s crazy to think he fought prime Carlos Condit barely into his early 20s

[@timdricklamar]

One of the best fighters ever to not win a UFC belt. He had it all, outclassed prime Diaz and Tyron Woodley. Glad he got paid in PFL, what the UFC paid that man should be criminal. He is one of the best examples of the UFC refusing to pay someone what they're worth.

[@multiplemike5021]

He wasn't one of Dana White's guys. If he was, he would've gotten a lot more opportunities.

[@marcbasil]

@@multiplemike5021nah initially he absolutely was one of whites guys.

[@Connor_.]

I remember some of his memorable fights against BJ Penn, Lawler and throwing Diaz all over the octagon, one of my favourite MMA fighters ever and I’m sad he never got to win UFC gold but his moments in the sport will live on for a long time, thankful for the memories he gave us and everything he did, sad to see him go but I wish him all the happiness and success outside of the octagon, thank you Rory!!

[@tamie341]

The BJ fight shouldn't have happened. BJ just wanted it cuz he hated GSP and wanted to fight his protege. Huge mismatch and BJ got demolished

[@interestedparty7523]

I'm just happy Rory is aware enough to know when it's time to call it a day. Tons of fighters lack this awareness and pay for it, with irreversible damage. He gave us the greatest single MMA fight in history, and anybody in the sport knows damn well which fight I'm talking about.

[@theguvnor3880]

I remember when Rory was being talked about as the new GSP. It's sad that things went in another direction but he seems content.

[@j-wei4603]

That's what happens when u fight people on gear

[@stringsgb8833]

He still had an amazing career

[@marcbasil]

@@j-wei4603both Rory ‘ gsp were on tons of gear

[@hombreleon]

Loved the interview. Rory is a legend and I wish him and his beautiful family the best.

[@mmatrix3998]

One of the toughest savages in the game and a follower of CHRIST. Rory McDonald is and will always be a legend till the world wraps up. 💯

[@mitchellwilliam95]

One of the best to step inside of an octagon. A true warrior.

[@_cohen]

Hes one bad dude for sure Mitchell

[@xpacnwo2000]

UFC letting him walk was a very early sign of how much of a tight ass company it was and still is.

[@dariussmith7247]

I respect Rory so much. As a fellow Canadian he was amazing to watch and inspiration. Cheers to the next endeavours.

[@npinc9988]

Massive respect to Rory for such a candid interview. He's been really talented and entertaining a long time.

[@stephenf5707]

Legend of the sport and lived in the shadow of gsp. He's still so young and most fighters in mma don't peak until early 30s. People forget the wars this man has had. He was a troubled kid, talented but his body was broken down young, then his mind followed. I have a massive respect for Rory and I remember his pro debut aswell as his peak. I hope you find your path mate... osss

[@user-xf6oe7ul3u]

so proud of you sir.......gonna miss you dearly....our family from Calgary has always loved watching you perform..all our best to you and yours RORY!!!!!!

[@robertespinoza9104]

Gotta love all the love he's received since retiring, he was a tremendous fighter and a great example for the sport of MMA. I really hope he continues to enjoy retirement

[@J05h777]

I discovered MMA and the UFC through a montage video on KZbin showcasing the best of MMA and not surprisingly it featured Lawler Vs MacDonald 2 at UFC 189, and it totally blew my mind. What 2 guys did to capture glory at their sport, going to the extent of what is humanly possible, was really admirable. Ever since, I've always followed Rory throughout his career every since, he is my favourite fighter and I'm glad he is at peace, especially with Christ!

[@benjac9]

One of my all-time favourite fights was the WAR btw Rory & Robbie. Such a brutal fight diminishes you & you’re are never the same again. Thanks Rory for the memories.

[@cj6884]

I wish you all the best in life Rory! You are a true gentleman and a warrior!

[@MrRaErickson]

One of the first fighters that was taught MMA from day 1. He came into the UFC very well rounded. I was at the event in Toronto when he ragdolled Nate Diaz. Crazy atmosphere

[@darnelljackson930]

Absolute stand up guy and a sensational fighter! Thank you for inspiring us all

[@DarkCloudNC]

Good for him, On to the next endeavor…… like commentary or creating a podcast

[@haitianxu]

LOL. I'd have a better chance beating prime Rory in a fight than Rory has at having a successful commentary or podcasting career. Dude has the personality of wet cement.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Rory doesn't like to speak at all, so the commentary work would be him speaking only one sentence during 5+ hours...

[@DarkCloudNC]

Dom Cruz also is EXTREMELY boring during commentary so that argument is IRRELEVANT! No one cares about that. And he doesn’t have to do commentary or a podcast those are just recommendations, stop crying

[@haitianxu]

@@DarkCloudNC Did you start following MMA in the last 3 years? Because if you didn't, you'd have seen Dom on the Fox analyst desk, and realized how much that man loves to argue and hearing his own voice. Rory doesn't even like speaking, the dude literally said in this very interview he'd rather disappear into the night and never be heard from again. To compare him to Dominick 'it's my mission in life to bless the world with my infinite MMA wisdom passive aggressiveness' Cruz just goes to show how much of a mouth breather you are. You have more chance at stealing Paulo Costa's girl than Rory has at making it in commentary or podcasting.

[@DarkCloudNC]

@@haitianxu Pretty sure most women from the U.S. aren’t into Brazilian men on steroids with hair plugs with broken English. I don’t think I want his girl. Like I said, it was a RECOMMENDATION! You’re literally trolling at this point. Cut it out, this is why people from the boxing community bully you MMA fans, you’re way too sensitive

[@Throwedoff4real]

Rory was and will always be a pleasure to watch and showcase his skills. Prayers for a wonderful life moving forward. Just glad we have tons of footage to rewatch his amazing career

[@handsolo1546]

Interesting how he talks about what happens in the practice room vs under the lights. And the story about looking back on his career beginnings as a 17 year old kid flying across Canada to his first pro fight is very touching. Good he can be honest with himself, lots of great fighters have a hard time letting go. He still has really good years ahead to live his life. Rory's g'n'p was ferocious when he first came into the ufc. Big heart to. Fighting mousasi was beyond courageous, maybe a bit foolish but Rory gave it his all. No regrats bro, u did Canada proud

[@Socially_Inept_Gyopo]

i remember the fight with condit many yrs ago when rory was an unknown 21 yr old kid, he was ahead on the score cards until condit turned it around in the 3rd and tko'd him in the last seconds. I remember the commentary saying he was a new breed that had been just training specifically mma since age 16. I noticed over the last 4 yrs or so that he didn't have that same aggression and killer instinct he had earlier in his career

[@Ronycoolman00]

NBK gave him a lesson in that 3rd round. Condit beat lawler and hendricks.

[@sukhdevr3489]

@@Ronycoolman00 Check out some of my KOs with him on my KZbin channel, I'm a massive Condit fan too. If he had a bit better takedown defence he would've beaten Hendricks and Woodley and maybe even GSP.

[@5183adam]

I remember 19yr old Rory almost beating condit. Unreal

[@je8741]

Excellent well spoken & great interview

[@CocoKobiee]

Rory vs lawler still best fight I've ever seen live 🥵

[@DarkCloudNC]

Shut up you don’t watch mma

[@vlastimilmartinec1453]

I guess so

[@CocoKobiee]

@@vlastimilmartinec1453 if not the best it's definitely up there thats when ufc was on fire

[@vlastimilmartinec1453]

@@CocoKobiee I love this fight yes that's true ...

[@mikelangdon1937]

I have a lot to thank Rory for, my first real experience with mma was watching him and Roby go to war and I've been hooked ever since, now I'm looking to start jiu jitsu to help work on my fitness and get myself of the sofa. Thanks 💗

[@jp92382]

he's describing a sort of ptsd. good on him for being honest and retiring at a relatively early age of 33 without taking more permanent damage

[@UBTKMMABOXINGTV]

I had the privilege to fight same card as Rory amazing guy down to earth wish him all the best in future happy retirement 🦁🦁🦁

[@25Dzone]

It's such a shame the fight with Lawler took so much out of him - but that fight will forever be legendary and something people look back on as one of the best fights of all time. Rory won't be forgotten, glad he's not risking his body / health for fighting anymore.

[@valrossi156]

Lawler was juiced to gills his hair even.left lol

[@restitvtororbis5330]

@@valrossi156 Robbie did even worse after that fight lol. He basically got a robbery decision against Condit in his next fight, lost to Woodley, beat cowboy in 2017, then literally his only win since then was the rusted husk of Nick Diaz, who hadn't fought for YEARS, and hadn't won a fight in almost a DECADE. It's definitely debatable whether robbie beat Condit, but it was definitely competitive, but cowboy was already starting his slow decline when he fought robbie, and nick Diaz fought like Mohammed Ali at the end of his career, the punching form and tactics might still be there, but the brain damage takes all the danger away

[@alexisfigueroa2629]

Absolutely one of my favorite fighters of all time and I've been watching mma since the late 90s. I hope he live a long happy life.

[@nathaniel1434]

Congrats Rory. You are awesome!

[@pekmez581]

Enormous ammount of respect for this warrior ! Enjoy your life

[@ZackZ-mg9uq]

He was 1 of the best Welterweights for a long time. Glad he retired in good health.

[@phalstouty]

So humble

[@dougo9135]

Congrats on your career Rory. A respectful honest warrior is how I will remember you. Greatest fight ever IMO and the guy I was cheering for didn't even win. I noticed your thousand yard stare went away in your early 30's. Mine did to, so I understand exactly what you are talking about. I'm happy that you got through what ever it was that you had to get through. Enjoy your retirement.

[@remingtonporter4369]

This was coming for quite sometime! Those 3 BRUTAL WARS that he had with Robbie Lawler (2x) & Douglas Lima (1st fight), took years off of his career and life. There was a reason why Bellator MMA let him go. I wasn't sure he could hang w/: Lima... MVP... Amasov (c)... Storley (ic)... Koreshkov... Jason Jackson... Yamauchi... etc. The fight game is unforgiving... but he did do more than enough to go into the HOF whenever there is one that will recognize all MMA organizations..... #ThankYouRory

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Think he came back to quick after the last robbie fight

[@jeffjones7481]

Agreed especially with doubt in his mind if he even wants to do it anymore. To many killers in that weight class UFC/BELLATOR

[@anthonybly]

I remember when Rory started in the UFC. Great career and one tough dude, mad respect. Thank you for all the fights. God bless!!

[@joescaletta9665]

Rory had some of the greatest wars in the octagon this makes me super emotional hearing what hes saying Rory is a Real dude

[@gsutherland3614]

major respect for the honest self-evaluation. that takes real strength of character

[@vlastimilmartinec1453]

Great fighter ,kind soul person ,i really like him ...have a good time after fighting Rory !

[@stringsgb8833]

All the best from the UK. Always been a big fan, you've been a name regarded in the top of your field for a long long time. Enjoy whatever comes next for you, you've definitely earnt it!

[@LambCurryDotOrg]

This interview low-key made me tear up a lil bit.

[@jameshill5178]

Hoping i wasn't the only one bruh.

[@0deszuh111]

Same! So many of my fav fighters retired this year 😢

[@jayjacob6855]

Same, the moment he says he’ll only be on the MMA hour to say goodbye.

[@mikevic9366]

Roy fought his heart out in the UFC..ge should be in the UFC Hall of Fame. He will never fade away.

[@robertcuenca743]

Moussasi was the guy who stood in his way to become champion. If he would've got thru Gerard, he would've certainly beat the guys after. Took alot of damage just like the Robbie Lawler 2 fight. He's a true warrior. Never ducked a fight yet plenty of top notch fighters ducked him behind the scenes. One of my favorites for sure. Classy guy. Never talked smacked to his opponents let his fighting skills do the talking for him💯

[@morganadays3530]

poor guy didn’t get any PPV points when he lost a million brain cells against Lawler in their rematch.

[@Mannypacquia0]

Dana should've gave him some type of locker room bonus or something

[@quanganhdinh418]

@@Mannypacquia0 there is but not much

[@benhallo1553]

That’s so sad

[@chiuuuuuuuuuu]

Rory is the one who got me into mma. He was still called waterboy then. Sucks he never got a UFC belt but he's a champion in my heart. My mma hero.

[@jmmllhh7887]

a lot of people in some comments asking like why Rory or other fighters cant retire from MMA at 60 like a desk job or something 😂 noo u need to retire from a fighting while u still look perfect u can breathe and u have 2 eyes and can take care of your family .... its a different kind of career even if compared to pro basketball they take so much damage win or lose and im sure a loss is another story ... i wish him the best in life 💗💞🙏🏻🤲🏻

[@jamestrost8412]

That first fight with Lawler is one of the most legendary displays of human capability. It inspires me every day man.

[@tsquirrel8675]

Rory MacDonald will always be in my top 10 favorites 💪 Sucks he didnt win the UFC title but he still made a name for himself in the fight game

[@drewwilson6639]

May God bless you Rory in all your future endeavors

[@fezii9043]

It's crazy that he's only 33 years old right now, in another universe he'd be fighting Colby, Leon, Kamaru, and the other top welterweights of today

[@RSR423]

WOW man, Rory genuinely doesn't know how much we the fans love him.

[@charlesking6584]

Of all the fights I’ve ever seen there’s never been a fight like that

[@phillipthewise7758]

Thank you for giving Us some of the Greatest Fights of all time. You are a warrior and Champion. Good Luck and Godspeed on all your future endeavors. SINCERELY MMA FANS AROUND THE WORLD

[@Gg-wh3vi]

I remember his first feature bout against mike Pyle who was making a late resurgence and Rory flatlined him. That was when Rory first burst onto the scene for me. Rory gave more of himself than he needed to for this game. Such a legend.

[@j-wei4603]

He didn't KO him, what are u talking about?

[@Gg-wh3vi]

@@j-wei4603 he most definitely knock mike Pyle out did you watch the fight?

[@j-wei4603]

@@Gg-wh3vi I did. Did you? He tko'd him which means the ref stopped the fight while Pyle was still conscience. Flatline implies it was a an out cold KO. Please think and follow the sport before you comment

[@Gg-wh3vi]

@@j-wei4603 I watched the fight live and his lights went out for a split second. He argued the stoppage but didn’t know he was out.

[@j-wei4603]

@@Gg-wh3vi yea I don't care

[@billweisman7146]

You are a Warrior . From the Qc. Be Blessed Rory. 🙏🏾😇🙏

[@peteryoung4974]

I love this guy he’s been in some battles but a real champ!

[@AllDayBlazer89]

This guy vs the savage robbie Lawler in their primes, was just 1 of the most epic displays of heart willingness to win and just a solid display of all round greatness!!!

[@njdrummer7120]

Lawler and Rory best fight in UFC history. When Robbie spit blood and they stared each other down was so intense. 2 guys who were in the verge of death. Thank you RM.

[@brandonwhite9965]

one of the best for sure.

[@daemondost7168]

Legendary Fighter!

[@vishalparihar1230]

Rory McDonald and Carlos Condit are both action heroes for me , enjoy the retirement Legends .

[@sukhdevr3489]

So true man.

[@BassPro2]

Man helwani you are so respectful and respected! We are lucky to have you in this sport. Thanks Rory you changed how I watched the ufc, you made it more entertaining and without you and st Pierre canadian mma would be far less off

[@tomwalker389]

You can see it in his eyes. He's done. And he's not in denial.

[@rasmusquavangsfar9447]

What do u see in the eyes💁🏻‍♂️

[@vineezyproductions9638]

@@rasmusquavangsfar9447pain, lots of pain. The exhaustion both physically and mentally of fighting.

[@RenNeil]

Rory's been a great fighter with respect. A role model in the UFC, kudos!

[@spiritsaturdaynightspirits6740]

Rory was a savage! technical, and an iron Man. One of the best fighters in the MMA

[@golds335]

i think he was one of the best of all time.And a lovely man.

[@zpwbakajoko936]

MacDonald vs Lawler 2 will be remembered forever as one of the best fights in the history of the sport, thank you for these emotions and happy retirement 🙏

[@J1283-s1k]

Rory is an absolute legend. He was 4 minutes away from being champion of the world. One of the best to never win a belt. I'm sad about the trajectory of his career but I'm glad about his decision given the career of wars he's had. All the best to him.

[@skleem4871]

What you doing next Rory keep looking for you. Legend. Endless respect, warrior. Semper Fi

[@MoveForwardMMA]

I just love this guy, he's the reason I love MMA! Im from Kelowna and live in Lethbridge and he's Been a big part of both of those cities I believe! Amazing work Rory.

[@branchmanager1100]

Love you, Rory, brother !

[@bigvsouthphilly2156]

Rory is an absolute savage but a great guy too

[@koba0798]

great guy

[@onenewworldmonkey]

He has always been one of my favorite. In a weird way I kind of lived vicariously through him. I LOVED when he beat Woodley. I LOVED when he threw Diaz around. I hated when he lost to Lawler. I hope he doesn't get whipped by his wife like Triple C. His wife stealing the light by announcing retirement makes me think she is taking advantage.

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Rory class act Huge respect Talented heart kicks elbows submission pure warrior in his prime. Such ashame UFC didn't pay the guy

[@ortem000]

It was great to witness your skills and heart. All the best to you!

[@philrisser6853]

100% Rory and GSP , most entertaining, Skilled, polarizing, strongest and biggest Heart!!

[@hayleeortega1384]

Was my favorite fighter! Thanks for the entertainment, Rory.

[@GlasshouseaquaticsGHA]

Wow, such a warrior.

[@YALDABOATHJr]

Rory. A true king of MMA. Always highly skilled

[@Psycho_Logical_631]

Only 42k views smh Rory deserves better than this, he is legend 💯

[@ben9047]

Thank you Rory

[@crazyjimheath]

always liked Rory, great fighter

[@noobchickensupper6471]

Rory was cold... A straight savage... I cant tell how much i admire him as a 13 year old watching him fight... He is 🥶🥶🥶

[@ernestocarignan2853]

U will always b one of the best

[@ashleyd1379]

He’s a stud not really much more to say 👑

[@shawnkliewer9987]

You cannot blame Rory, but after the judges stole his win clearly, it has to be a game changer, in an emotional stand point, best wishes Rory, wish you and your family the best, I will keep both of your signed Autographs on my wall.

[@Sephiroth-1]

The Red King is a Legend 🔥🔥🙏

[@ChampCampMMA]

I'm a 39 Canadian...and as a hard-core MMA fan since 2004.... I have nothing but respect for this man....go chill on an island in the Bahamas and tell us MMA trolls to go f*** ourselves ...live your life dude....😁💥💯👌

[@vineezyproductions9638]

You’re a real mma fan!! That’s what I’m talking about

[@ChampCampMMA]

@@vineezyproductions9638 I did say this a year ago...😁👍💯🇨🇦

[@vineezyproductions9638]

@@ChampCampMMA I’m actually sad that most modern and young mma fans go out of their way to disrespect a legend like Rory who was definitely one of the greatest fighters who never won the big one just like NBK Condit. Are you excited for ufc 300 this weekend?

[@ChampCampMMA]

@@vineezyproductions9638 I absolutely agree, and yes UFC 300 is gonna be fire...who you picking for the main card fights?

[@luxciousupholstery]

I think people forgot the punishment he took from Condit that really hindered his career. Robbie Lawlers fight just sealed the deal.

[@Madawg65]

This man is a warrior!!!!!

[@jfrrjb7063]

Legend, so kind

[@NikoHL]

Fighting for a living is crazy. I just hope Rory has escaped without too much damage/ concussion. I do hear some slight slurring.. I hope I'm wrong. Rory is a good guy.

[@rasmusquavangsfar9447]

Have he not always been talking like this?