McDonough started his professional career in 2007. He fought mainly for Minnesota–based promotions as Brutaal Fight Night and Cage Fighting Xtreme, and also fought once for King of the Cage. He also trained and fought out of St. Cloud MN for Damage Inc.
After amassing a record of eight victories and no losses, McDonough signed with Bellator.[4]
Bellator MMA
McDonough made his promotional debut against Johnny Buck on September 20, 2013, at Bellator 100. Buck was defeated via TKO due to a spinning back kick to the body and a finishing sequence of punches.[5]
McDonough was scheduled to face Mark Scanlon in the quarterfinal match of Bellator Season 10 Welterweight Tournament on March 14, 2014, at Bellator 112. However, after the removal of Scanlon, Joe Riggs and War Machine citing injuries, the tournament line–up was shifted and McDonough instead faced Jesse Juarez.[6] McDonough won via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) and advanced to the semifinals.[7]
In the semifinal, McDonough faced Nathan Coy on April 11, 2014, at Bellator 116. He won via knockout early in the second round.[8]
In the final, McDonough faced Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 122 on July 25, 2014.[8] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, resulting in the first loss of his professional MMA career.
