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Bellator signs former UFC title contender Rory MacDonald

UFC 189 Fighters Workout Sessions

L.E. Baskow

UFC 189 fighter Rory MacDonald shadow boxes during his open training session at the MGM Grand on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

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 British Columbia 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.

MacDonald says he is "taking over" the Bellator welterweight division.

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