UFC Fight Night 54 Results: 3 Fights to Make for Rory MacDonald

All the pressure was on Rory MacDonald at UFC Fight Night 54 on Saturday. Fighting in his own backyard against a relatively unheralded opponent in Tarec Saffiedine, and with a title shot possibly on the line, the 25-year-old performed admirably, taking out his foe in the third round with a picture-perfect uppercut.

It was a mature performance from the young Canadian. He may not be quite as exciting as he was back in 2010, but he is arguably more effective. Is he ready for a title shot? It would be difficult to argue otherwise, and it seems to be what the UFC has in store for him.

Still, let’s take a look at MacDonald’s options for the near future, if you’ll indulge me.

Johny Hendricks

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Johny Hendricks is, quite rightly, the favourite to come out on top when he defends his welterweight title against Robbie Lawler at UFC 181 in December, according to Best Fight Odds (h/t MMA Mania).

The pair’s first bout was of the career-shortening variety, being contested in a figurative phone booth. Despite being hampered by injury, Hendricks was able to secure the win.

Should the champion enter the cage injury-free at UFC 181, I expect the rematch to be more straightforward.

If Hendricks retains his title, look for MacDonald to be his next title defence.

Robbie Lawler

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Robbie Lawler continues to surprise the MMA world with his career resurgence. Given that Ruthless appeared to be a limited fighter all the way back in 2004, his status as an elite welterweight 10 years later is an astonishing achievement.

Whether he can ascend to the very top of the division at UFC 181 remains to be seen. He fought the champion close at UFC 171, but his opponent was clearly hampered by injury.

Can he get the job done against a healthy Hendricks? Sure. Will he? I have my doubts. When push comes to shove, Hendricks’ superior wrestling should be the difference-maker.

It would be foolish to count Lawler out, though, particularly with the power he wields in his strikes. Should he pull off the minor upset, a rematch with MacDonald could prove interesting.

The pair put on an entertaining, highly competitive bout at UFC 167. The Canadian will no doubt be looking to avenge that loss.

One suspects MacDonald will be cheering on Lawler at UFC 181.

Carlos Condit

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Granted, this fight being put together any time soon is a bit of a long shot, but who wouldn’t love to see it?

When Carlos Condit and Rory MacDonald went toe-to-toe back in 2010, the MMA world was alerted to the potential of the then-20-year-old Canadian.

It was a terrific fight and one that MacDonald was clearly winning going into the third round. However, Condit used all his experience to wear down his younger opponent, ending the contest with less than 10 seconds remaining in the final round.

MacDonald has wanted the rematch for a long time. If for some reason a title shot doesn’t come off, few would complain about seeing these two go at it again.

Unfortunately, Condit suffered a torn ACL and a partially torn meniscus against Tyron Woodley, and there is as yet no news on when he is expected to return.