• UFC 145

MacDonald admits internet check on Che Mills

Rory MacDonald is tipped for UFC gold © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: MacDonald anticipates quick stoppage of Mills
  

Rory MacDonald may just have given Che Mills some added ammunition ahead of their UFC 145 co-main event, revealing he had no idea what the Brit looked like until he checked on the internet.

MacDonald has been tipped as a future UFC welterweight champion, with co-commentator Joe Rogan even suggesting the Canadian may have more potential then reigning champ Georges St-Pierre.

Having been in with the likes of Carlos Condit, Nate Diaz and Mike Pyle, it was something of a surprise when MacDonald was paired with British talent Mills at UFC 145, a fighter who has had just one previous bout in the UFC.

A 40-second knockout of Chris Cope made enough of a impression on matchmaker Joe Silva for Mills to be propelled to co-main event status, where he is now poised to deliver one of the shocks of the year if he beats MacDonald. And Mills may just have a point to prove after hearing his rival does not know who he is.

"I looked him up on the internet to see what he looked like," MacDonald said on The MMA Hour. "He had a good performance in his last fight, so I think the UFC is very performance based. Joe Silva thought it was a good match-up.

"I didn't see his fight in the UFC. I told a lot of people this. I don't really do research and watch video on the guys I fight. I kind of leave that to my coaches and just focus on my own training. But I did see a little bit. He's obviously a very talented striker and a good mixed martial artist.

"If a fighter's in the UFC, I have all the respect in the world for them. You can't take anyone lightly in this sport."

Victory for MacDonald in a co-main event would help him with his bid to become the No. 1 welterweight in the world, something he already believes he is - regardless of status.

"I feel like I'm the best in the world," MacDonald said. "You're going to have no choice but to rank me at the top very soon."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.