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UFC on Fox 15: Machida vs. Rockhold from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
In the night’s main event, former light heavyweight champion and recent middleweight title challenger Lyoto Machida clashed with former Strikeforce middleweight kingpin Luke Rockhold. The Brazilian Machida bounced back from a hard-fought decision loss to current champion Chris Weidman by dismantling C.B. Dollaway in just 62 seconds in December. Rockhold, meanwhile, entered the Octagon riding a three-fight winning streak. The 30-year-old had scored three straight finishes, including a submission win over Michael Bisping in the UFC Fight Night 55 main event in November.
The co-main event featured an unexpected rematch as another former Strikeforce middleweight title holder, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, once again faced off with Chris Camozzi. The pair met previously in May of 2013, with the Brazilian Souza scoring a first-round submission. Souza had not tasted defeat since and was expected to face Yoel
Rory MacDonald enjoyed a perfect start to his career in the Professional Fighters League.
The former UFC contender and Bellator champion made the switch to PFL in December of 2019 but his promotional debut has been delayed due to the ongoing global pandemic.
MacDonald hasn’t fought since October 2019 when rematched Douglas Lima.
The Canadian fell to a decision defeat and surrendered his Bellator belt in the process.
‘The Red King’ was originally slated to face David Michaud on April 29.
Unfortunately, the 32-year-old was forced out of the bout due to a congenital heart condition recently discovered by his doctors.
In stepped, Millender on just a few weeks’ notice to take on MacDonald. Things did not go to plan for ‘Curtious’ who quickly fell to defeat at PFL 2.
Rory MacDonald scores first-round finish in PFL debut
April 30, 2021
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continued its unparalleled 2021 season at Ocean City Casino resort, in Atlantic City, N.J. The eight-fight event featured a statement win from Rory MacDonald, a dominating performance by Ray Cooper III, and a first round knockout by Cezar Ferreira, securing the second fastest knockout in PFL history.
Making his highly anticipated PFL debut, Rory “The Red King” MacDonald defeated Curtis Millender, landing several significant strikes before locking in a rear-naked choke to emerge victorious in his maiden appearance inside the SmartCage. With a vicious body slam, Ray Cooper III handed Jason Ponet a swift submission defeat in the first round as he started his mission for a repeat title in the Welterweight division. Cezar Ferreira, meanwhile, secured the second fastest knockout (0:37) in PFL Light Heavyweight history with a flurry of punches to take down Nick Roehrick with