Michael McDonald Released by UFC

Bantamweight fighter Michael McDonald has been released from his UFC contract, according to Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com.

Damon Martin of Fox Sports confirmed the news, noting McDonald asked for a release due to "dishonest" business practices by the company. 

McDonald has a 17-4 career record in mixed martial arts.

"The UFC was dishonest in the way they tried to do business with me and it's resulted in a complete waste of my time," McDonald said, per Okamoto. "I want to feel like my employer isn't out trying to cut my head off. I'm looking to enter a mutually respectful business contract with another fight organization."

The 26-year-old last competed in a July loss to John Lineker. The match ended with a first-round knockout. Prior to that, he earned a win over Masanori Kanehara at UFC 195, his first bout in over two years.

McDonald lost to Renan Barao in 2013 in his only title fight.