Exclusive: Michael McDonald Says He Has Learned To Take Care Of His Body After Destroying It

Michael McDonald says he does not want to become a dinosaur. 

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Michael McDonald has been competing in professional mixed-martial-arts since he was a teenager. The UFC veteran has been scheduled to fight Peter Ligier at Bellator 191, this Friday after another extended absence from the cage. In an interview on Fightful MMA's podcast Holy Smokes, McDonald said it was crazy to look back on his decade of fighting but he revealed he wants to fight another decade or more. 

"I've been fighting professionally for over ten years now. That's pretty weird," said McDonald. "I've had a lot of experience under my belt even though I'm a young guy and that's cool. That's crazy to think I could have another ten to fifteen years if I take care of my body. It's pretty insane," he continued. 

McDonald admitted his time in the cage has caused injuries which required surgery but he claimed he has learned how to bounce back from his fights. 

"I do have a lot of miles on my body and if you don't learn, your body is going to deteriorate pretty quick.  I've had to learn how to take care of my body after destroying it. My body was falling apart at eighteen/nineteen years old. I got three hands surgeries. I was positive I was going to need back surgery and shoulder surgery. I haven't had to have one…You learn a lot. If you don't learn, you become a dinosaur and you got to retire," said McDonald.

Also in the interview, McDonald discussed not being sure if he has experienced "ring rust" or not. McDonald last fought in July of 2016. His fight at Bellator 191 has been scheduled on December 15th.

Fightful MMA will provide live coverage and a recapping podcast of the entire card. 

Holy Smokes airs Tuesdays at 3 pm eastern on FightfulPods.com.