Rory MacDonald May Need Surgery After Breaking Nose Again

Last July, Rory “Red King” MacDonald battled it out for five bloody rounds with champion Robbie Lawler in a slugfest for the ages that saw both men have their moments. In the end, however, MacDonald’s nose was shattered and he was finished in the fifth.

After taking some time off, MacDonald returned to action last night in his native Canada, taking on surging contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 89 from Ottawa. The fight produced yet another five round war, and MacDonald once again walked away battered.

The Canadian also suffered yet another broken nose late in the fight, a feeling he described as ‘familiar’. MacDonald also admitted that his nose had broken multiple times leading up the bout and that surgery may be required:

“Fifth round, during a trade, we were both trading a little bit. I don’t know what it was, I was just trying to throw combinations and duck my head but something landed and I felt the waterfall start. The familiar feeling,” MacDonald described at the post-fight press conference.

“I broke it actually a couple times before this fight. I have no idea. I gave it time, it kept breaking. I don’t know if surgery’s going to be the best route. I really just have to take time and at least I’d probably look into surgery, see if that can make it stronger because just time off didn’t do (expletive).”

Later on, MacDonald once again reiterated that he’ll need some time off:

“My nose needs surgery,” MacDonald said. “I’m going to need some time.”

After two straight losses, perhaps some time away and some healing would be best for the “Red King”, who has clearly established himself as a true warrior inside the Octagon.