Rory MacDonald earned a first-round submission win in his debut for PFL. ‘Red King’ choked out Curtis Millender in the fourth minute of the fight to start his run in the PFL tournament successfully. This was MacDonald’s 8th career win by submission and 15th finish overall.
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The 31-year-old Canadian signed with PFL last year after fighting his contract out at Bellator MMA. The former UFC veteran couldn’t make his PFL debut in 2020 as the portion conducted no season in the pandemic struck year. The Tristar Gym trainee picked up all style points with his statement submission finish.
Complete domination by @rory_macdonald in his @PFLMMA debut 💯 #2021PFL2 pic.twitter.com/ozkHL68f8d
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 30, 2021
Considering Millender’s lack of resistance in his ground game, the submission win for MacDonald shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Overall, it was great for the fans to see a legend like MacDonald back in action.
UFC fighters and analysts react to Rory MacDonald submitting Curtis Millender
Ariel Helwani believed it was mission accomplished for the ‘Red King’ to be successful in his PFL debut
Rory MacDonald subs Curtis Millender in the first via RNC.
Fantastic debut for Rory Mac. Looked great. Obviously one can argue he’s on another level but it was important and good to see him look like that.
Mission accomplished for the “Red King.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 30, 2021
Mike Bohn pointed out that it was the first time since 2011 that MacDonald has finished a fight in the first round.
Rory MacDonald looked back to form in winning his PFL debut. Finishes a fight in the opening round for the first time since August 2011.
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) April 30, 2021
UFC middleweight Derek Brunson lauded ‘Red King’ for his performance.
@MmaSanford @rory_macdonald another 1 🔥
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 30, 2021
Brunson also tweeted that MacDonald is actually one of his favorite training partners.
That boy cold . Good work @rory_macdonald . One of my favorite training partners . One of the best fighters on the planet ! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8alAJ9gE1s
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 30, 2021
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns also kept an eye on how things unfold at the PFL 2 event. ‘Durinho‘ thoroughly enjoyed MacDonald’s domination.
Great win by @rory_macdonald domination #PFL2
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) April 30, 2021
James Lynch pointed out this was MacDonald’s first submission victory since his 2017 submission win over Paul Daley.
🇨🇦 Rory MacDonald picks up his first submission victory since May. 2017 (Paul Daley) #2021PFL2
— James Lynch (@LynchOnSports) April 30, 2021
MacDonald now looks poised to earn a spot in the playoffs of the PFL tournament. This was his first fight since his loss to Douglas Lima in his last fight in Bellator MMA. It’s always good to see ‘Red King’ in action. And the win was important in his career after such a long layoff.
Many fans still believe MacDonald is still a UFC caliber welterweight contender. In fact, some pointed out he matches really well with the top 5 of the current 170 lbs division. But for now, he is focused on his PFL run.
What was your reaction to Rory MacDonald’s win? Let us know.
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