One of the UFC’s finest bantamweights is going to stick around the promotion a little while longer. That’s the focus in today’s MMA odds and ends.
John Dodson Re-Signs With UFC
John Dodson is officially off the free-agent market. MMAFighting.com reported Wednesday that Dodson, a former two-time flyweight title challenger and current bantamweight contender, has decided not to leave the Octagon, instead re-upping with the UFC on a new four-fight deal. Dodson (20-9) is one of the finest 135ers in the UFC and at 33 is in the prime of his career right now. The native of Albuquerque, New Mexico holds an all-time UFC record of 9-4. He won The Ultimate Fighter 14 by knocking out current UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillshaw in the finals and has gone on to have a mostly brilliant career in the UFC. Since moving up to bantamweight after two failed bids at dethroning UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, Dodson is 3-2 with wins over Manny Gamburyan, Eddie Wineland and in his last fight, Pedro Munhoz. His only losses since moving up to 135 came against John Lineker and Marlon Moraes, and both of those fights were close split decision losses for Dodson. There was speculation he may go over to Bellator where he would have an easier path to the bantamweight title, but in the end Dodson decided to stick around the UFC. He has not been given an opponent for his return date as of yet, but the news article says he would like to return in August. Just looking at the bantamweight rankings and who is available, it would seem like a guy like Aljamain Sterling or Bryan Caraway would be solid options for his next opponent. I’m not sure if Dodson ever does get to the title at 135, but he’s definitely a top-10 guy capable of putting on an exciting show for the fans, and the UFC was smart to realize his value and keep around the fold for at least four more fights.
