Rory MacDonald on free agency: Because I’m worth it
Rory MacDonald: “I want big money fights because first and foremost I think I’m worth it. I think I bring a lot to the table, I think I bring a lot of viewers.”
Top UFC welterweight Rory MacDonald is approaching the final fight on his contract, and will test free agency in mid June. In an interview with John Pollack for The Fight Network, MacDonald explained why he was so vocal about his intention to test his value on the open market.
“I think it’s important to get it out there,” said MacDonald, as transcribed by Jed Meshew for MMA Fighting. “It’s a known topic about fighter pay now and I think it’s beneficial to me that I get it out there too so when it comes time to negotiate I have other sources to talk with. It’s a known thing, people are buzzing about it. It’s a good thing.”
“I’m a simple martial arts guy. I come from humble beginnings so I don’t require a lot to feel comfortable. But now that I have a little girl on the way, I want to be able to provide everything she’s gonna need in her life. So that’s a big motivator to start getting paid for this because it doesn’t last forever.”
“I want big money fights because first and foremost I think I’m worth it. I think I bring a lot to the table, I think I bring a lot of viewers. I think I’m the guy in the Canadian market right now, and I think that is a huge factor that is forgotten in some negotiations, but you know, we’re gonna see how it plays out.”
“I look up to [Conor McGregor] in that sense. There’s a lot to be learned from his stance and sticking up for himself. Getting what he’s worth…Not just accepting what’s thrown at you. Standing up for yourself. That’s the thing martial artists aren’t used to. You’ve got to really stick up for yourself and be a tough businessman when it’s time for negotiations.
Rory MacDonald fights Stephen Thompson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 89 on June 18th, in Ontario.
