Michael McDonald to make Bellator MMA debut in December

Former UFC bantamweight contender Michael McDonald will fight at Bellator 190 in Newcastle, England.

Former UFC bantamweight contender Michael McDonald is set to return to competition at the end of the year, this time under the Bellator MMA banner. MMA Fighting confirmed on Thursday that “Mayday” will fight an opponent TBD on December 15th at Bellator 190 in Newcastle, England.

The 26-year-old McDonald (17-4) has not fought since a KO loss to John Lineker in July 2016. He was granted his UFC release earlier this year, citing that, “The UFC was dishonest in the way they tried to do business with me and it’s resulted in a complete waste of my time.” McDonald would sign with Bellator MMA a week after he confirmed his UFC departure.

Four years ago, McDonald challenged for the UFC’s interim bantamweight title, losing by fourth-round submission to Renan Barao in England. After a win vs. Brad Pickett and a loss to Urijah Faber, McDonald wouldn’t fight again until 2016, with numerous injuries and surgeries setting him back considerably. He also admitted that his low pay in the UFC caused him to lose some of his passion for the sport.

As has been the case for some previous shows in the UK and Ireland, Bellator 190 will be co-promoted with BAMMA, whose fights normally fill in what would otherwise be Bellator’s preliminary card. It’s Bellator’s first trip to Newcastle, as they look to expand their presence in Europe. Also confirmed for the event is former UFC strawweight title challenger Valerie Letourneau, whose opponent is also TBD.

Former UFC bantamweight contender Michael McDonald will fight at Bellator 190 in Newcastle, England.

Former UFC bantamweight contender Michael McDonald is set to return to competition at the end of the year, this time under the Bellator MMA banner. MMA Fighting confirmed on Thursday that “Mayday” will fight an opponent TBD on December 15th at Bellator 190 in Newcastle, England.

The 26-year-old McDonald (17-4) has not fought since a KO loss to John Lineker in July 2016. He was granted his UFC release earlier this year, citing that, “The UFC was dishonest in the way they tried to do business with me and it’s resulted in a complete waste of my time.” McDonald would sign with Bellator MMA a week after he confirmed his UFC departure.

Four years ago, McDonald challenged for the UFC’s interim bantamweight title, losing by fourth-round submission to Renan Barao in England. After a win vs. Brad Pickett and a loss to Urijah Faber, McDonald wouldn’t fight again until 2016, with numerous injuries and surgeries setting him back considerably. He also admitted that his low pay in the UFC caused him to lose some of his passion for the sport.

As has been the case for some previous shows in the UK and Ireland, Bellator 190 will be co-promoted with BAMMA, whose fights normally fill in what would otherwise be Bellator’s preliminary card. It’s Bellator’s first trip to Newcastle, as they look to expand their presence in Europe. Also confirmed for the event is former UFC strawweight title challenger Valerie Letourneau, whose opponent is also TBD.