MacDonald chokes out Millender in PFL debut
More than a year after signing with the PFL, Rory MacDonald was victorious in his highly anticipated debut.
The former UFC contender submitted Curtis Millender with a rear-naked choke at the 3:38 mark of the first round in the PFL 2 main event Thursday at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Complete domination by @rory_macdonald in his @PFLMMA debut 💯 #2021PFL2 pic.twitter.com/ozkHL68f8d
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 30, 2021
MacDonald earned six points under the PFL's season format with the win and moved into second in the welterweight standings.
"I put in a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice over 2020 and this year," MacDonald said in his postfight interview. "So I'm really glad to be here and have a good performance like that."
After exchanging strikes with Millender in the fight's first two minutes, MacDonald secured a takedown and quickly took control of his opponent's back. The 31-year-old sunk in the choke after landing heel kicks to Millender's thigh and briefly opening up his own body lock. MacDonald said afterward the move was a distraction so Millender would try to scramble to his feet.
MacDonald, a former UFC title challenger and Bellator champion, returned to the cage for the first time since October 2019 and earned his first victory since June 2019.
Millender, a fellow former UFC and Bellator fighter who also made his PFL debut, has now lost two straight fights.