There have already been a handful of heated exchanges between UFC welterweights Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger leading up to their fight in a few weeks at UFC on FOX 8. However, MacDonald recently clarified his stance on Ellenberger, saying hed simply been having some fun with his upcoming opponent rather than actually engaging in a personal feud.
According to MacDonald, he doesnt need to dislike an individual to motivate himself to mash him into a paste inside the Octagon.
Maybe it is (personal) for him, but at the end of the day, this is my job, to fight, explained MacDonald to MMAJunkie. I dont let trash talk or anything get in the way or (make) a difference in my focus or my emotions. He could be the nicest guy, or the rudest guy.
He chose that route, and really, it doesnt make a difference to me. Im going in there to win a fight, regardless of what attitude he brings in there, MacDonald concluded.
Of course, thats not to say the 23-year old wont attempt to enjoy himself at Ellenbergers expense when the two tangle on July 27.
Sometimes you train so hard and for so long and you only get 15 minutes max of game day for a few times a year, so sometimes its nice to spend a little time in there and get hit once or twice or hit him a little more, offered MacDonald on his attitude entering in-ring efforts. Sometimes its just a little more fun. Sometimes, you just want to hurt someone and devastate their lives fast. But I only react to how Im feeling that night.
MacDonald is 14-1 with wins in his last four fights. By comparison, the 29-6 Ellenberger is on a two-tilt run including success against Jay Hieron and Nate Marquardt.
