Rory MacDonald Feels Fight Against Erick Silva Is Inevitable

When you're talking the future of MMA's 170-pound weight class, two names tend to dominate the discussion—Rory MacDonald and Erick Silva.

MacDonald, a 23-year-old Canadian, has compiled a 4-1 UFC record since joining the promotion back in 2010, and has gained notice as one of the welterweight division's most promising stars.

Silva, a native of Brazil, officially sports a 2-2 UFC record, though one of those defeats came via controversial disqualification in a fight he had dominated all 29 seconds of.

At 28 years of age, Silva has less developmental time on his side than MacDonald, but expectations that he'll significantly impact the the welterweight landscape are similarly high.

As the two up-and-comers continue their respective ascents towards a UFC title, it seems they are on a collision course, poised to meet one another somewhere along the way.

At least that is how MacDonald sees it.

"Ares" spoke with ESPN about a prospective duel with Silva, calling the potential bout "inevitable."

From MacDonald:

"

I've watched some of his [Silva's] fights and he's very good. He's a very good fighter. And I'm sure me and him are going to be matched up down the road, for sure. I mean, it's kind of inevitable. 

"

Several months back I considered a MacDonald vs. Silva rivalry, and mused that the two will eventually fight it out to become the division's top dog.

I also asked readers who will accomplish more when it's all said and done, and more of you were in MacDonald's corner than Silva's.

While the long term potential of a MacDonald-Silva rivalry is certainly tantalizing, both welterweights have more immediate fish to fry.

MacDonald will take on B.J. Penn at UFC on Fox 5 this December 8, while Silva has been tapped to face Jay Hieron at UFC 156, which is set for February 2, 2013.