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Report: MacDonald 'close to finalizing' contract with Bellator

Joe Nicholson / USA TODAY

It looks like Rory MacDonald is headed to Bellator.

Both Flo Combat and MMAFighting reported the news on Wednesday. The deal, which has yet to be finalized, comes after the former UFC welterweight was told to test the open market by promotion brass.

According to MMAFighting's report, the UFC informed MacDonald's management on Tuesday night they would not match Bellator's offer.

MacDonald had attempted to negotiate a new contract with the UFC earlier in the year, but an agreement could not be reached, his fate all but sealed after losing a unanimous decision to Stephen Thompson in June. He had also been courted by ONE Championship during his time on the market.

Details of the signing have not been disclosed. MacDonald's record stands at 18-4, going 9-4 in the UFC. He was promptly removed from their rankings Wednesday afternoon.

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