UFC on FUEL TV 7′s Michael McDonald: I Don’t Care About the Title

Michael "Mayday" McDonald

McDonald Unfazed By Success

Michael McDonald will fight Renan Barao for his Interim bantamweight championship this Saturday at UFC on FUEL TV 7. If McDonald wins, he will not only become the youngest champion in UFC history, but also the first Englishman to hold a belt as well. "Mayday," however, has already accomplished so much in his 16 fight MMA career, undefeated in the UFC and just 22 years of age.

What's even more amazing than McDonald's undeniable talent is how incredibly unfazed he seems to be in response to all the spotlight and success he has accumulated over the past few years. When so many newcomers with this potential would allow their immaturity and ego to hinder their focus, McDonald remains as humble as ever, refusing to hold himself in an extremely high regard even though he is currently one of the most talked-about rising stars in the UFC today.

In a recent interview with MMAfighting.com, McDonald explained why he cannot let go of the humility and selflessness that motivated him to achieve so much at such a young age, whether he wins the bantamweight belt or not.

"I don't really care about the title. When people get obsessed with the outside appearance, the title, how much I'm getting paid, being in the main event, they let things rent space in their heads that don't need to be there. Emotion scraps judgment. I don't want to look at the title. I don't care about the title. I don't worry about what's going to happen. It's not one of my personal goals. I wouldn't be upset if I never won a title. My motivation in this sport is the same as anyone out their doing their job. This is my job. A job to me is something I use to provide a living for my family. Fighting in particular is a platform where I can spread the word of God, tell my story, and tell people how my life has changed through Jesus Christ. When it comes to that title, a lot of people take that title and let it be who they are. I have a very clear boundary between what I do, and who I am, with Jesus Christ. That has nothing to do with my job. If I was working at McDonald's, I'd be the same person."

A passionate fighter with the heart of a champion to say the least. Most would think that not caring about what's on the line in this match-up would stop McDonald from really leaving it all in the cage, but it seems that this mentality has the complete opposite effect on the levelheaded challenger.

But regardless of his Interim title, Renan Barao is unquestionably the most dangerous bantamweight in the world. Avoiding the power and speed of the Brazilian's hands would be an utterly incredible feat in itself, and unlike winning the bantamweight title, that would be a benchmark no fighter has ever attained. We will see if McDonald's uncrowded willpower can push him to defy the odds this Saturday in London, England at UFC on FUEL TV 7.

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