Bantamweight 'TUF 14' Winner Dodson Wants Dec. 30 Return

John Dodson wants back in the Octagon before 2011 is over. | Photo: Dave Mandel

Though the Jackson’s MMA product talked confidently about his skills over the course of the 10-episode season, he admitted after his first-round knockout of Dillashaw that he found his victory to be somewhat surreal as it unfolded.

“[I thought,] 'Am I really the Ultimate Fighter? Is this happening?'” Dodson recalled to UFC.com after his bout. “I started pinching myself. I said, 'John, just do a backflip [off the cage]. If it hits, and you don't wake up, you're okay.”

Dodson's knockout over Dillashaw was strikingly similar to his knockout over Johnny Bedford in the semifinal round. As Dillashaw charged ahead, Dodson caught him flush on the ear with a counter hook, disrupting his equilibrium. Though Dillashaw gamely tried to pick one of Dodson's ankles to save himself, Dodson was merciless with his attack.

“When I hit him with that left hook, I didn't know if it hurt him or not, so I hit him with another one,” said Dodson. “I saw him crumble, and I pushed him over and I kept on hammer-fisting him. [Referee] Herb Dean knew I was going to keep on going, so he stopped me.”

With his victory, “The Magician” now stands on equal footing with many of his Jackson's compatriots who have made a splash in the UFC.

“It's been a long time coming,” said Dodson. “I’ve been at Jackson's for 10 years. I’ve been seeing everybody on the rise, and I’ve been waiting for my time to shine.”

Still exuberant after his knockout victory, Dodson did not mince words in asserting when he would like to make his next appearance in the cage. Wishing to strike while the iron is hot, the 27-year-old said he would like to return to the Octagon before the year's end.

“Dana White, put me in there [Dec. 30 at UFC 141]. I’m down to go. I’m ready,” said Dodson. “You saw [a] fast fight [tonight]. I’m ready to go again. Come on, Dana. Put me in there, please.”