Rory MacDonald hasn’t fought in 2020 nor will he, which leaves a lot of time for self-reflection.
A former UFC welterweight title challenger and Bellator champion, MacDonald (21-6-1) signed with PFL months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the outbreak, the promotion decided to cancel its 2020 season.
“Of course it’s frustrating,” MacDonald told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “I was really motivated to start this new chapter with a bang. C’est la vie. I’m going to use this time wisely. I’m also using it to look inward and try to improve myself. I’m also looking back on the past to try to right my wrongs moving forward. In a sense, it was a positive thing, because it gave me some time to reflect and dial in my focus for the next chapter of my career.”
Despite the PFL’s hiatus, MacDonald said he’s been utilizing the time to reflect on his journey. MacDonald admitted he’s made mistakes in his career, without them he wouldn’t be where he is today. He’s actively hoping to identify and correct previous errors in order to learn.
“This quarantine, I was really trying to analyze my career,” MacDonald said. “Sometimes you just don’t think about it. You just go through the motions to the next fight. I was able to kind of take a step back, signing with a new company. I have a few regrets during my twenties – the decisions that I made from all different ranges in my career from training to business or whatever.
“I want to take this opportunity with the change of promotion. I’m going to be 31 years old this summer. I want to make my thirties much more successful. I want to not have regrets when I’m 40 looking back. I want this to be the best part of my career. I’m focused and working hard at making those changes and applying them.”
At this point in time, MacDonald struggles to define his legacy. Why? Well, because he thinks the best is yet to come. Deep inside, MacDonald said he thinks his peak potential is hidden. It has yet to shine through.
“I’m really focused on achieving my goal of being one of the best to ever do it,” MacDonald said. “I feel like I slipped my opportunity at being world champion with the UFC. My career kind of went like this a little bit in my twenties. My thirties, I just really want it to be an uphill trajectory. I don’t want to have big ups and downs and lose focus in some fights and be hungry in others.
“I just really want to stay hungry and get after my goal of being one of the best welterweights that (has) ever competed in this sport. That’s what I’m focused on – making a name for myself, and showing my skills and my full potential.”
The PFL is currently running a series on MacDonald’s life called “The Red King Rundown.” The series premiere aired Tuesday, with more episodes expected in the near future.
Rory MacDonald aims to reach potential in PFL: 'I want this to be the best part of my career'
