UFC releases Michael McDonald at his request

No. 9-ranked bantamweight Michael McDonald has been released by the UFC at his request, the fighter told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.

McDonalad said he asked to be let go by the UFC last month due to the promotion's "dishonest" business practices.

"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. "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 was sidelined for two years and then fought just twice in 2016, winning one and losing one. McDonald said in January he was working a second job to pay his bills.

"I'm trying to make enough money right now to pay my bills and still have a little savings for a camp," McDonald said. "And it's tough because I don't know if camp will be perfect and I don't know if I'll pay for one, only to have my opponent back out. It's always iffy."

McDonald argued that an average UFC fighter's pay isn't enough considering the cost of injuries and the sport's unpredictability.