UFC Star Challenging Failed Drug Test, Bellator Adds UFC Hall Of Famer, Rory MacDonald's Next
- Rory MacDonald's next fight will be the one he wants, as UFC president Dana White confirmed MacDonald as the next contender to the welterweight title. Johny Hendricks, the current champion, is set to defend this December against Robbie Lawler at UFC 181.
MacDonald (18-2) earned his third straight victory since a split decision loss to Lawler last year when he finished former Strikeforce champion Tarec Saffiedine recently. He is 9-2 with the UFC overall, with the other loss coming to Carlos Condit.
"It's pretty impossible to deny Rory that, whoever comes out of that Hendricks-Lawler fight, he's the next guy in line," White said in an interview with The Canadian Press. "I have a lot of respect for Saffiedine. That guy's tough to deal with. Rory just absolutely made him look like he didn't belong in there."
The bout is expected to take place in early 2015 from Montreal, though no official announcement was made for the card.
- Royce Gracie has joined up with Scott Coker and Bellator MMA. An official announcement was made recently, introducing Gracie as a promotional brand ambassador. His title will allow the UFC Hall of Fame fighter to help build Bellator through seminars, signings and other events.
"Bellator and Viacom want to give fans exciting fights and enable fighters to continue to grow and most importantly provide for their family, and it's something I want to be a part of. UFC has done a great job over the past 20 years in building this sport and taking it globally and I'm glad to have been part of that, but Bellator is a growing organization I am honored to be a part of, and with the dedicated and talented people already associated with the company, we can further the growth of mixed marital arts as a sport worldwide."
Gracie posted a 14-2-3 MMA mark, including three UFC tournament titles. His last fight with the UFC came in 2006 when he lost to Matt Hughes, while his final MMA bout overall was in 2007.
- According to a report by ESPN, suspended UFC fighter Cung Le will be allowed to challenge the results of his failed drug test. Le was found to have HGH in his system during blood work done after a loss to Michael Bisping earlier this year.
"The (American Arbitration Association) would hear whatever Cung Le's arguments are," UFC chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein said. "He has a certain time to file his intention to appeal. An arbitration panel would be set up, he'll make his case, arbitration will make its decision and that will be the end of it."
Le, a former Strikeforce champion, has contested the results on social media. His manager, Gary Ibarra, said plans are in place for the appeal to go down.