His status as a top contender is impossible to argue, but given the lackluster nature of Rory MacDonald’s UFC on FOX win over Jake Ellenberger, it is unlikely the casual mixed martial arts is salivating over a Welterweight title fight involving the young fighter.
But if Georges St. Pierre emerges from UFC 167 with his belt intact, the issue will remain moot.
Speaking to the UFC broadcast panel after Saturday’s FOX broadcast, MacDonald maintained his stance that he will not fight training partner and friend GSP.
MacDonald maintains a desire to win the UFC Welterweight Championship in the very near future, but loyalty to current GSP apparently trumps that desire.
Should Johny Hendricks defeat GSP for the belt at UFC 167, MacDonald, despite Saturday’s lackluster performance, would certainly be on the short list of title contenders. But if St. Pierre’s lengthy reign continues, MacDonald is fully comfortable seeking an alternative bout.
MacDonald would not reveal a specific opponent he is targeting, but a crack at the winner of the August 28 fight between Martin Kampmann and Carlos Condit would certainly make sense.
MacDonald used his jab and reach advantage to edge Jake Ellenberger in Saturday’s critically-panned UFC on FOX co-main-event. The Seattle crowd repeatedly voiced its disapproval with the uneventful battle.