Montreal, Canada, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Rory MacDonald, a UFC Hall of Famer, has returned to full-time training following his retirement in August. Despite enjoying his time training, he has no intention of making a competitive comeback. MacDonald emphasized his focus on personal growth and mentorship rather than competing again, reflecting on his experiences in the sport and his transition to a new chapter in life.
Montreal, Canada – Rory MacDonald, a prominent member of the UFC Hall of Fame and a former title challenger, recently shared his sentiments regarding his current status in mixed martial arts (MMA). Although he has resumed training on a full-time basis after retiring in August 2022, he has no intentions of making a competitive comeback.
MacDonald, who last fought with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and ended his tenure there with a disappointing 2-4 record, expressed a renewed enjoyment in training. This decision to return to the gym comes as a surprise to many fans, as he stated that although he is committed to training multiple times a day, he is not planning to step back into the octagon.
During a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, MacDonald articulated the joy he finds in martial arts. He emphasized that while he is actively training, he is devoid of plans for a professional return to the sport that made him famous. MacDonald’s career is decorated with significant milestones, including an iconic rematch against Robbie Lawler at UFC 189, which is often cited as one of the most thrilling fights in MMA history.
Following his time in the UFC, MacDonald transitioned to Bellator, where he became the welterweight champion and sought to claim the middleweight title against Gegard Mousasi. However, those aspirations did not come to fruition. Though he feels a strong desire to compete, MacDonald openly acknowledges that he lacks the necessary “drive” and “intensity” to perform at a championship level again.
Occasionally, he considers the possibility of returning to competition but quickly reassures himself that he has changed as a person and does not possess the mindset required for professional fighting. Instead, at UFC 315’s Q&A session in Montreal, MacDonald expressed a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the sport through mentoring younger fighters rather than pursuing personal accolades.
In his post-retirement life, MacDonald is focused on managing rental properties while pursuing martial arts purely for enjoyment. At just 35 years old, he is still relatively young by MMA standards, but he believes the mental rigors of professional fighting are beyond him at this stage in his life.
This decision to step away from competitive MMA underscores MacDonald’s ability to prioritize his wellbeing and personal growth over the accolades of the sport. As he enjoys his time training without the pressures of competition, the MMA community continues to respect his contributions to the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Rory MacDonald retire from MMA?
Rory MacDonald retired in August 2022 after a disappointing tenure with the PFL, where he ended with a 2-4 record.
2. Is Rory MacDonald training again?
Yes, he has resumed full-time training and enjoys his time in martial arts without pursuing a competitive comeback.
3. Does MacDonald plan to return to professional fighting?
No, he has no clear plans to return to competition, despite expressing some desire to compete.
4. What has MacDonald been doing since his retirement?
He is focused on managing rental properties and training for personal enjoyment.
5. How does MacDonald feel about the mental requirements for fighting now?
He believes he does not possess the necessary mental toughness to handle the rigors of professional fighting anymore.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Date | August 2022 |
| PFL Record | 2-4 |
| Current Training | Full-time, personal enjoyment |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Focus After Retirement | Managing rental properties and mentoring younger fighters |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Cageside Press: Rory MacDonald Admits Comeback Thoughts
- Google Search: Rory MacDonald
- Bloody Elbow: Rory MacDonald Addresses Reality of UFC Return
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rory MacDonald
- MMA Junkie: Rory MacDonald Shuts Down MMA Return
- Google Scholar: Rory MacDonald
- ESPN: The UFC’s 30 Best Fights, KOs, Comebacks, Upsets
- Google News: Rory MacDonald
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