Rory MacDonald Returns to Training But Adjacent to Competition

A tranquil training space filled with martial arts equipment

Montreal, Canada, July 30, 2025

News Summary

Rory MacDonald, a renowned Canadian MMA fighter, is back to full-time training but has no plans to compete again. Following a challenging period with PFL and his retirement announcement last year, he reflects on his changed mindset, embracing martial arts for personal enjoyment and mentoring young fighters rather than pursuing a competitive career. At 35, MacDonald is shifting focus to life post-retirement, finding fulfillment in his involvement with the sport while managing rental properties.

Montreal, Canada – Rory MacDonald, a celebrated Canadian MMA fighter and member of the UFC Hall of Fame, has revealed that he is back training on a full-time basis. Despite this resurgence in training, MacDonald has unequivocally stated that he has no intention of making a comeback to competitive fighting. This clarification comes nearly a year after he announced his retirement in August 2022, following a challenging stint with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) where he held a subpar record of 2-4.

During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, MacDonald expressed that he is enjoying his return to training, emphasizing the positive feelings he has experienced while engaging in martial arts. He has been training rigorously, putting in two to three sessions a day. However, he maintains that he does not have a definitive plan to compete again anytime soon.

MacDonald’s career in mixed martial arts is well decorated, having showcased his skills in some of the most significant bouts of the sport’s history. Notably, he is remembered for his iconic rematch against Robbie Lawler at UFC 189, a fight widely regarded as one of the greatest in MMA history. Following his time in the UFC, MacDonald went on to become the welterweight champion of Bellator and made an unsuccessful attempt for the middleweight title against Gegard Mousasi.

While MacDonald feels a strong desire to compete, he admits that he lacks the requisite “drive” and “intensity” needed to compete at a championship level. He has reflected on his past and noted that, although he occasionally contemplates a return to the octagon, he quickly reminds himself that his mindset and circumstances have significantly changed. He expressed that he finds fulfillment in mentoring younger fighters and contributing to the sport from the sidelines rather than pursuing a fighter’s path himself.

Now at the age of 35, MacDonald is shifting focus to life after retirement, which involves managing rental properties and pursuing martial arts training purely for personal enjoyment. He believes that, despite being relatively young by MMA standards, he does not possess the mental toughness necessary to endure the rigors of professional fighting. MacDonald has acknowledged that he is content with his current situation and finds happiness in his ongoing relationship with martial arts.

Background Context

Rory MacDonald’s rise to fame in the MMA world came through a series of impressive performances and high-stakes battles. His career achievements are a testament to his skill, determination, and tenacity as a fighter. The mixed martial arts landscape has seen significant changes during his time in the sport, and MacDonald’s transition from fighter to mentor reflects both a personal evolution and his commitment to the future of MMA. His notable career experiences have granted him a unique perspective on the sport, further influencing his current focus and philosophy.

Conclusion

Rory MacDonald’s return to training does not signal a potential fight return but rather highlights his love for martial arts and his desire to support the next generation of fighters. While fans may hold onto hope for one last fight, MacDonald appears resolute in his decision to step away from competition, directing his energies toward personal enjoyment and mentorship.

FAQ

Why did Rory MacDonald retire from professional fighting?

Rory MacDonald retired following a disappointing stint with PFL, where he had a 2-4 record in his final fights. He made the decision in August 2022, feeling that he lacked the mental toughness to continue competing at a high level.

Is Rory MacDonald considering a comeback?

No, while MacDonald enjoys training and mentors younger fighters, he has explicitly stated that he does not have plans to return to competitive fighting.

What is Rory MacDonald doing now post-retirement?

Currently, MacDonald is managing rental properties and training in martial arts for personal enjoyment rather than competition.

Key Features

Feature	Details
Training Resurgence	Back to full-time training but not competing.
Retirement Date	Retired in August 2022.
Current Age	35 years old.
Career Highlights	Former UFC title challenger and Bellator welterweight champion.
Mental State	Lacks the drive and intensity for championship-level competition.