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Rory MacDonald says Erick Silva fight is 'inevitable'

ESPN staff
November 23, 2012

Welterweight rising star Rory MacDonald admits a future showdown with Brazilian sensation Erick Silva is "inevitable" as the pair make their way towards the UFC 170lb title.

Silva's latest fight was announced on Wednesday, with the UFC pairing him against experienced veteran Jay Hieron at UFC 156. The bout will provide a good chance for Silva to bounce back from defeat to Jon Fitch.

His current UFC record reads 2-2, although that should be 3-1 but for a harsh disqualification against Carlo Prater. Boasting exceptional striking skills and slick submissions, it is expected that Silva will contest a title in the future.

That is also the plan of 23-year-old MacDonald, who is five years the junior of Silva. MacDonald has been beaten only once, a defeat to Carlos Condit that he is desperately keen to avenge.

Victory for the Canadian in his next bout against BJ Penn would see him move ahead of Silva in the welterweight pecking order, but the pair are widely seen as the next generation of the 170lb division. MacDonald agrees.

"I've watched some of his fights and he's a very good fighter," MacDonald told ESPN. "Me and him will be matched up down the road for sure.

"It's inevitable, he's one of the top guys, he's young… actually, is he young? I think he's like 30! He looks younger than me though!

"If he's around and I'm around, I'm sure that fight will happen. I'm here to fight the best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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