UFC executive encourages Rory MacDonald ‘to go into the open market’

Top UFC welterweight Rory MacDonald has one more fight on his UFC contract, which will take place at UFC Fight Night 89 this weekend. MacDonald will headline the event against Stephen Thompson that could likely determine the next in line to fight for the UFC welterweight title.

However, after this fight, MacDonald will be a free agent and has been vocal about going to test the open market to see where he can get the best situation for his family and future.

UFC Executive VP and General Manager for UFC Operations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Tom Wright, spoke with MMA Junkie on MacDonald’s potentially leaving to fight for another organization.

“I think we’re all about making sure we’ve got as many great Rory MacDonald’s in every part of the world because clearly he’s a great fighter, he’s a great competitor, he’s a great representative of our sport,” Wright told MMAjunkie. “But in the end, it’s Rory’s decision, and we encourage him to go into the open market. That’s something he’s certainly entitled to do, and we would encourage him to do so.”

“In the end we’re just looking forward to sitting down with him after and having a good conversation,” Wright said. “He wants to put on a big performance and then fight for the UFC championship belt. So, we’ll wait and see what happens. But what Rory does is up to him, and we’ll support whatever he decides.”

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