Rory MacDonald Talks About What It Takes To Be An Exciting Fighter

At 23-years-old, Canadian welterweight Rory “Ares” MacDonald is the next generation of mixed martial arts fighter. The British Columbia native possesses high-level skills in every area and is not afraid to fight anywhere, be it on the feet, top or bottom positions. With 12 finishes out of his 13 professional wins, MacDonald produces what the fans pay to see – knockouts and submissions.

Talking with Mauro Ranallo of The Score, MacDonald explains that his ability to be exciting is two-fold. One part of it is his natural gifts and instincts as a fighter, and the other part comes from how he trains in the gym on the daily basis.

Read MacDonald’s comments below.

“As I’m trying to develop a style, that’s, you know, in a technical way sharp and precise, but at the same time it’s giving the fans excitement. It’s getting the finishes and stuff that they want to see. I understand both sides.”

“It’s not a decision; it’s the way I’ve always been. It’s just my style to be that way when I fight, it’s who I am. Some of these fighters, you got to understand that what you do in the gym can effect your fight and how it happens in the fight. So, you know, I train in a way to be exciting. I’m working towards being a style; you know it’s like a carving. I’m chipping away pieces to get to the ultimate picture I’m looking at.”

“I’ll go anywhere with anybody. This is mixed martial arts. Like I said, I train in a way to be exciting and I’m very comfortable in every position that a fight goes. So it really doesn’t matter, I will mix it up with anyone.”

“Ares” is the type of fighter who is always looking to improve. The fact he is still so young in his career and already competing at an elite level should strike fear into the heart of any 170-pound fighter currently competing under the UFC banner. MacDonald’s goals and mindset are in the right place, if he can stay focused and continue to produce highlight reel results then it may be just a matter of time before a championship belt is around his waist.

MacDonald next fights at UFC 152 when he will welcome former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion BJ Penn out of retirement in a main card bout.

UFC 152 goes down September 22 from the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The event is headlined by a flyweight championship bout between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson.

The get the latest on UFC 152, click here. For up-to-date versions of all upcoming fight cards, head over to the rumors section.

Mike Bohn, founder and lead writer of FightCove.com, wrote this article. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @FightCoveMike. Also, follow @FightCove on Twitter and “Like” Fight Cove on Facebook.