Sherdog’s Top 10: Rising Stars, 2014 First Edition

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3. Rory MacDonald (18-2)

It might seem strange to think of MacDonald as a rising star given his 11 fights and nearly five-year tenure with the UFC, but he has yet to challenge for a title or reach the top of the absolutely stacked welterweight division. MacDonald has been tabbed as the Next Big Thing for years, and at 25 years of age, the time has come for him to seize that label and turn speculation and projection into reality.

Even in the aftermath of his two career losses, both of which were close -- the loss to Robbie Lawler was a split decision and, right or wrong, he would have won a decision against Carlos Condit had it gone to the judges -- there was never any real question as to the youthful Canadian’s talent. MacDonald can win fights in any phase. His quick hands and long kicks make him a threat at range; his clinch and wrestling skills would not shame an NCAA All-American; and his work from top position is some of the nastiest and most dangerous in the entire UFC. His last three fights, dominant decisions over Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley and a brutal knockout of Tarec Saffiedine, showcased his evolution into a complete fighter under the capable tutelage of Tristar Gym frontman Firas Zahabi.

The real question about MacDonald has always been his ability to command the attention of the viewing public, even in his native Canada. Will he become the next Georges St. Pierre? That seems unlikely, not only because of his personality but also because of the UFC’s fundamentally different position in 2014 in comparison to 2008. On the other hand, becoming a reliable draw in Canada’s major cities, namely Vancouver, British Columbia, should be well within reach.

With St. Pierre’s future in doubt and real questions about the sport’s popularity in Canada looming on the horizon, the UFC desperately needs him to become that kind of substantial presence in one of its biggest markets. A welterweight title shot awaits; will MacDonald capitalize on the opportunity and finally become the bona fide star he has the potential to be?

Number 2 » Leaving aside his undisputed facility for talking trash, the most intriguing thing has been his ability to back up every bit of that chatter with his performances in the cage. He is a skilled pressure fighter with an uncanny talent for walking his opponents laterally into the punches and kicks he wants to throw, changing rhythms and adapting to his opponents’ defensive tendencies.