Firas Zahabi has been at the side of Bellator MMA Welterweight Champion Rory MacDonald for the majority of the fighter’s professional MMA career.
The coach believes that if the welterweight champion fought Fedor Emelianenko, it would end with a knockout win for MacDonald.
“Well, Rory is in his prime, and Fedor is not. I think if Rory catches him on the button — and he will — it will be a great name for him to collect,” Zahabi told Fight Hub.
MacDonald had petitioned to be a part of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix as an alternate, but Bellator MMA officials quickly shot that plan down.
Zahabi believes that if MacDonald did get a shot in the tournament, experience would’ve played a huge part in him winning it.
“Rory has got that experience, has got that hunger. He’s in his prime now. Now’s the time to take those chances. If you asked me two, three years ago, I would’ve said no. Now’s the right time. This is it,” says Zahabi.
Bellator MMA Heavyweight Grand Prix action continues at Bellator 194 as Roy Nelson faces Matt Mitrione.
