Michael McDonald Released by UFC

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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.