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SIOUX FALLS, SD - JULY 13: Michael McDonald prepares to enter the Octagon before facing John Lineker in their bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event on July 13, 2016 at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
SIOUX FALLS, SD - JULY 13: Michael McDonald prepares to enter the Octagon before facing John Lineker in their bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event on July 13, 2016 at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Michael McDonald Released by UFC

Rob GoldbergMar 17, 2017

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.

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