Will Rory MacDonald Be A UFC Champion?

After putting on an amazing performance in the main event of UFC Fight Night 54 (October 4, 2014) by brutally knocking out No. 9-ranked Tarec Saffiedine in the third round, No. 2-ranked Rory MacDonald may have finally done enough to secure himself a shot at welterweight gold.

MacDonald is now riding a three-fight win streak and looks more confident and better than ever. Although he stated in his post-fight interview that he wants a title shot next, he will have to wait it out a little bit due to the fact that current champ Jonny Hendricks is set to defend his belt in a rematch against Robbie Lawler at UFC 181 on December 6, 2014. However, it is hard to deny “Ares” the next shot after that.

So that amounts the question. Once that time finally times will the Canadian become the UFC welterweight champion? It’s a tough question to answer because I can see it playing out in so many ways.

First off, say Robbie Lawler beats Jonny Hendricks and MacDonald gets the next shot (which is probably unlikely because that would make for a trilogy between Hendricks and Lawler). “Ares” and “Ruthless” have actually already fought, back at UFC 167 in November of 2013. The result was Lawler getting a decision win after an exciting three-round war. Lawler scored a knockdown on MacDonald in the third round, which ultimately gave him the nod.

Although MacDonald was outstruck, he did score four takedowns and attempt a submission. If this fight were to happen again, I see it being a similar outcome with “Ruthless” staying the champ although I don’t think it would be easy. I would fully expect a very close fight and I wouldn’t be surprised if MacDonald took it. I just feel like Lawler is ever improving and is too tough and aggressive. He is simply a different breed in my opinion.

Now for the second situation. If Hendricks beats Lawler again, “Ares” should definitely get the next shot and I actually see him having a better chance against Hendricks. Hendricks has two things that MacDonald would have to look out for, his takedowns and his power. I think the Canadian is a much better grappler jiu-jitsu wise and overall the better striker.

Despite the power disadvantage, MacDonald would have the reach advantage and I think he would be able to use it. In my opinion, he is a better boxer than the reigning champ and if he is able to use his combos, I don’t see any reason he can’t out-strike Hendricks. However, just like with the Lawler fight, I think it would be very close and I wouldn’t be surprised by either outcome.

So the question still remains. Will Rory MacDonald ever be the UFC welterweight champion? And my honest answer is that I think he has a very good shot, but I am not completely sold on the idea. If he keeps improving and stays confident, we could see him with the gold around his waist sometime next year, but we will have to wait until that time finally comes.

With the shadow of his mentor Georges St.-Pierre no longer looming over him, it seems like the perfect time for “Ares” to reach his goal. Will the Canadian seize the situation?