Bellator signs former Canadian UFC title contender Rory MacDonald

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Former UFC welterweight title contender Rory MacDonald has signed with Bellator.

MacDonald announced his decision Friday night during the Bellator 160 show, walking into Honda Center in front of a large Canadian flag.

MacDonald (18-4) is among the world’s top 170-pound fighters despite losing his last two bouts. The Kelowna, B.C., native had a 13-fight UFC career that included victories over Demian Maia, B.J. Penn, Nate Diaz and current UFC champion Tyron Woodley.

But he was stopped by former champ Robbie Lawler in a brutal title fight in July 2015, and he took 11 months off before returning with a one-sided loss to Stephen Thompson in June.

MacDonald joins Benson Henderson as Bellator’s biggest free-agent signings away from the UFC.

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MacDonald says he is “taking over” the Bellator welterweight division.

The Associated Press