Once a top prospect in the entire sport, Michael McDonald is stepping away from MMA.
McDonald, 27, is coming off an impressive 57-second knockout over former Bellator bantamweight champion Eduardo Dantas in July. In the fight, however, he suffered a hand injury and one month later, was forced to undergo his fifth hand surgery in five years. McDonald said injuries took a toll on his career and that he feels now is the right time to move on.
McDonald said he discussed retirement even before the Dantas fight and his latest injury and is ultimately satisfied with his decision.