Two-time UFC flyweight title challenger John Dodson will switch from the cage to the ring as he continues his fighting career.
Dodson (22-13) has inked a deal with BKFC, promotion officials announced Friday. With the first fight of a multi-fight contract expected to come later this year, Dodson will be trying his hand at bare-knuckle boxing for the first time.
More recently competing as a bantamweight, Dodson got back in the win column in April, when he won a unanimous decision over fellow UFC alum Francisco Rivera at XMMA 4. The 37-year old has posted a 1-1 record since parting ways with the UFC following an August 2020 loss against Merab Dvalishvili.
“The Magician” is no doubt best remembered for a pair of title fights against all-time flyweight great Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Winner of The Ultimate Fighter 14 at bantamweight, Dodson dropped down, and worked his way towards a title shot in January 2013. He’d lose that fight via decision, then find himself losing a second decision to Johnson once again two years later.
Returning to the bantamweight division in 2016, Dodson never found the same level of success. All of his losses during his final UFC run at 135 pounds came via decision, however, with a couple of close split decisions against John Lineker and Marlon Moraes in the mix.
No debut date or opponent has been set for John Dodson’s BKFC debut.
