Rory MacDonald could be at a career crossroads.
The former Bellator welterweight champion and UFC contender suffered a devastating loss on Saturday at PFL 8 in Cardiff, Wales, as he was finished via strikes inside of a round by late-notice replacement Dilano Taylor. Taylor’s upset victory puts him one win away from a 2022 PFL tournament title and a $1,000,000 prize, while MacDonald exits in the semifinals for the second season in a row.
That’s four losses in five fights now for MacDonald (23-10-1), a 17-year veteran who has yet to make a major impact in the PFL since debuting with the league last year. At least one of MacDonald’s peers was left wondering whether it was time to retire “The Red King”.
“Damn! Rory has had a rough time with PFL,” Ben Askren posted via Twitter. Drops another. I know he isn’t that old, but prob time for him to find another [profession].”
See more fighter reactions below.
Damn PFL was a rough time for Rory. He drops another. I know he isn’t that old, but prob time for him to find another professional.
— Funky (@Benaskren) August 13, 2022
DELIVERYYYYYYYYYY!!! https://t.co/JZvzHXtBZd
— Postman (@PostmanTaylor) August 13, 2022
what a finish by @PostmanTaylor over the legend Rory McDonald at #PFL
Now the PostMan will have a chance to fight for 1 million dollars— Herbert Burns (@HerbertBurnsMMA) August 13, 2022
Man.. that was a beautiful straight right https://t.co/08ZC4KUt1V
— Adrian Yanez (@yanezmma) August 13, 2022
Crazy journey for Dilano Taylor. 3 times the replacement fighter – now in the championship. STAY READY #PFLPlayoffs
— Kai Kamaka III (@kaiboikamaka) August 13, 2022
