Another talented fighter is headed for the UFC’s exit door after Michael ‘Mayday’ McDonald was granted his request to be released from his deal with the promotion.
The 26-year-old former interim bantamweight title contender has had a tough time of late in his career, beginning with a three-year layoff due to various injury problems, including wrist and hand surgeries.
Upon his eventual return in 2016, McDonald was able to notch up a submission win over Masanori Kanehara, but was then knocked out by John Lineker in the first round later that year.
Nevertheless, McDonald remained a talented young fighter with a 17-4 record, but behind the scenes he becoming increasingly disillusioned with the way he was being treated in the UFC, complaining to the media that he couldn’t even afford to cover the cost of his training expenses.
The matter finally came to a head a month ago when he requested that he be released from his contract, and with that now having been granted he’s quickly taken a swipe at his former employer.
“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 tld ESPN. “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.”
Given his age, skills and experience, McDonald should have no problem finding a home in one of the sport’s other leading promotions, though it remains to be seen how lucrative a deal he’ll be able to secure now that he’s burned his bridges with the UFC.
