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Two-time title contender, TUF 14 champion John Dodson released from the UFC

UFC Fight Night 96 photosJohn Dodson | Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Two-time title contender and The Ultimate Fighter 14 champion John Dodson has been released from the UFC.

Sources close to the bantamweight and flyweight veteran confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Friday. Dodson’s manager Ricky Kottenstette issued a statement after news of Dodson’s release was confirmed.

“We are excited to see what other offers are out there for John,” Kottenstette said. “John is 100 percent committed to his fight career and he’s not diminished in his skill set whatsoever.

“John has fought the absolute best in the world in two weight classes and he’s still more than ready face elite competition. We look forward to talking to any and all promotions to find John the best home for his future.”

Dodson’s exit from the UFC comes after he spent nearly an entire decade with the promotion following his win on TUF in 2011. Dodson went undefeated on the realitys how before capping off the season with a knockout of future bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw.

After competing on the reality series at bantamweight, Dodson dropped down to 125 pounds where he went 2-0 to earn a shot at flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in January 2013. “The Magician” gave Johnson an incredibly tough fight but ultimately lost a decision after five rounds. Dodson earned his way to a rematch at UFC 191, but came up short against Johnson a second time.

Dodson managed to beat a long list of top-ranked flyweights including Jussier Formiga, Tim Elliott and John Moraga.

Following the second fight with Johnson, Dodson decided to move up to bantamweight where he remained a stalwart of the top-15 rankings while picking up impressive wins over Pedro Munhoz, Eddie Wineland and a TKO victory against highly touted prospect Nathaniel Wood.

Dodson fell to Merab Dvalishvili by decision in his most recent outing, which precipitated his UFC release.

Now the 33-fight veteran seeks a new home with his manager telling MMA Fighting that he plans to speak to multiple promotions to decide on the best possible landing spot for his client.

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