Rory MacDonald captured the Bellator MMA Welterweight Title when he earned a decision win over Douglas Lima at Bellator 192.
The Canadian fighter had a huge swelling on his leg from kicks landed by Lima, which is the worst pain the new champion has experienced in a twelve-plus year professional MMA career.
“Hard to compare,” MacDonald said on The MMA Hour. “A physical pain, I’d say this one was the worst, for sure. I would say this one was the worst as far as pain goes.”
MacDonald could miss up to six months due to the injury, but can train again in 45 days if a doctor clears him.
Although MacDonald never won the welterweight title in the UFC, winning the belt in Bellator MMA will go down as a memorable moment for the champion.
“I was definitely emotional,” MacDonald said. “Especially going through a fight like that for the belt. It was a special moment for me, because I got to push those mental barriers to get to this championship. It was a nice feeling. It was a hard fight, it was a close one. It was something I really appreciated and I’ll always remember.”
There is no time frame as to when the fighters first title defense could come, but more should be known once the medical suspension is complete.
