Former UFC contender Rory MacDonald has officially called it quits.
On Saturday night, MacDonald was knocked out by Dilano Taylor in the second round of their PFL fight.
Impressive KO finish Dilano Taylor Vs Rory McDonald PFL MMA new pic.twitter.com/AgvERBs6ns
— Fightgame (@futurefightsnew) August 13, 2022
McDonald left his gloves in the game and would later post a heartfelt message on Instagram announcing his retirement.
“My time has come to put the gloves down for good,” . “I’m so thankful for this sport and every person I’ve been able to meet along the way.
“I started this sport as a 14-year-old kid, I still remember my first day and knowing this is what I want to spend my life doing. The passion for martial arts and becoming a pro MMA fighter gave me hope and a way to a better life! And I’m so thankful to God for putting that gym Toshido MMA in kelowna in my path. It truly changed the direction of my life and saved me!
“What an adventure this career has been, 17 years of professional fighting. It all came and went so fast! So many painful trainings that are etched into my being, travelling to all parts of the planet and meeting so many people.
“I’ve learned so much about myself through this career, not all of it good. And I’ve made so many mistakes along the way, but here I am 33 years old a better man because of those mistakes, to which I’m very grateful I’ve grown up.”
Back in 2015, MacDonald fought for the 170-pound title at UFC 189 but lost via fifth-round TKO to Robbie Lawler in what is considered one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
Greatest fight in UFC history!?#OnThisDay in 2015, Lawler-MacDonald 2 ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Is5EC7Pcxa
— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/btsportufc/status/1546524969055698944
