Rob was a nationally ranked wrestler at St. Charles College in Ontario and also excelled on the football and track teams. He graduated from Western Ontario University with degrees in English and Psychology.[2]
Mixed martial arts career
MacDonald made his professional mixed martial arts debut on June 1, 2002, when he faced Zane Hagel at MFC 4: New Groundz. He won the fight via first round submission strikes.[3] After the impressive victory, MacDonald would win two more professional fights, defeating Victor Valimaki and Doug Sauer via TKO. MacDonald would take a three-year hiatus before being signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2006.
In his third fight in the promotion, MacDonald faced Eric Schafer at UFC 62 on August 26, 2006.[6] He lost the fight via arm-triangle choke,[7] and after dropping to 1–2, was subsequently released from the promotion.
Post-UFC career
In his first fight outside of the UFC, MacDonald challenged Eliot Marshall for the ROF Light Heavyweight Championship at Ring of Fire 31 on December 1, 2007.[8] He won the fight via second-round TKO. MacDonald faced Hector Ramirez at HCF: Crow's Nest on March 29, 2008.[9] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
He then faced Chuck Grigsby at VFC 26: Onslaught for the VFC Light Heavyweight Championship on February 20, 2009.[10] He lost the fight via KO.[11]
Return to Fighting
In 2022, it was reported that MacDonald would make his return to fighting after 14 years to compete on Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter.[12] MacDonald faced Eduardo Perez on episode 5 of TUF. He lost the fight via TKO in round one.[13]
Gym Jones
For several years MacDonald was the Training Director and GM at Gym Jones; a fitness training facility in Salt Lake City founded by Mark Twight.[14]
