Scott Coker denies expiration of Rory MacDonald’s contract

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Bellator CEO Scott Coker says Rory MacDonald’s contract hasn’t expired, contrary to the fighter’s previous statements. Rory MacDonald fought the last fight in his Bellator contract on Saturday at Bellat…

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Bellator CEO Scott Coker says Rory MacDonald’s contract hasn’t expired, contrary to the fighter’s previous statements.

Rory MacDonald fought the last fight in his Bellator contract on Saturday at Bellator 232, where he lost to the 170-pound title to Douglas Lima. During the post-fight presser, he seemingly opened the doors to other opportunities outside of Bellator, but remains accepting of a re-signing.

“I wouldn’t say no. If they want to do it, they can do it,” he said. “First I’ve got to re-sign. My contract expired. We’ve got to deal with that situation. Obviously if they want to give a title shot, sure.”

But apparently, MacDonald is still locked in with Bellator, according to CEO Scott Coker. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, he says he is willing to re-sign MacDonald, even after the loss to Lima.

“Rory’s contract has not expired, and we have remaining rights,” he said.

”I think he’s a great fighter,” Coker said of MacDonald. “I think he’s probably the No. 2 welterweight in our roster, so yeah, we would love to. But we’ll see.”

After Bellator 232, MacDonald now holds a record of 21-6-1 (with 14 wins by stoppage).