MacDonald: UFC-Reebok apparel deal made us look like robots

Rory MacDonald's issues with the UFC's apparel deal extend beyond the financial side of it.

Several fighters have spoken out against the UFC-Reebok partnership that was formed last year due to the deal being less profitable for the athletes than was initially expected. At the Bellator 160 post-fight press conference on Saturday, MacDonald cited the restrictive Reebok uniform policy as one of the motivating factors for his jump from the UFC to Bellator MMA.

"We walked into that cage like every single other person on the roster. We're basically like a robot walking into the cage," MacDonald said, according to FIGHT SPORTS. "The same jersey on. There's no difference between this guy and this guy. It's boring, I find it very plain. I understand where they're trying to go with it, but that's just not fight sport. There's no personality there."

Related: Rory MacDonald officially signs with Bellator

Despite being recognized as an elite welterweight, MacDonald has struggled to establish himself as a fighter with any significant drawing power. He's hoping that Bellator will allow him to showcase his individuality, an arrangement that could be beneficial to both parties.

"We've been in talks with Bellator for a long time now," MacDonald said. "It's gone back and forth with the UFC. We put a great deal together. We're gonna build a great business together. Bellator believes in me, I believe in the company, and we're gonna take it to the next level. We're gonna take over."