UFC Veteran John Dodson Involved in Serious Car Accident, Out of July 30 XMMA 2 Bout

Former UFC flyweight contender John Dodson and his family were involved in a serious car accident over the weekend.

According to Dodson’s manager, Ricky Kottenstette, the fighter will no longer be able to compete in his scheduled bout against Cody Gibson at XMMA 2 on July 30 following the “near death” crash. A GoFundMe account has been started to help the New Mexico native and his family, and donations can be made here.

“We have started this go fund me to help John Dodson and family. The Dodson’s were headed to Texas on vacation to visit family when they were involved in a near death accident with the whole family inside the vehicle,” Kottenstette wrote.

“They were all released from the hospital this morning but will have a rough month of recovery and financial hardship ahead. They have totaled their family vehicle and unfortunately John will no longer be able to fight in his upcoming July 30th bout. We are asking for assistance to help them with their medical bills, financial assistance from being out of work and travel back to New Mexico. Let’s show these guys some [love].”

Dodson was released by the UFC last year after losing three of his last four Octagon appearances. He compiled a 10-6 record within the Las Vegas-based promotion, twice challenging then champ Demetrious Johnson for the flyweight crown. He moved to banamweight in 2016 and went 4-5 in the division, including a decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili in his last bout at UFC 252 in August 2020.

Dodson has since released a statement via Facebook:

"Just letting everyone know we're all alive and no one is seriously injured," Dodson wrote. "The car we hit was left in the middle of the highway after that person hit an [18-wheeler] and another car crashed into it as well. He had no [hazard] light, no flares and no other warning to let us know. I hit the car and we rolled. I don't know how many times, but luckily the cables in the median stopped us from rolling onto traffic going the other direction. The guy fled on foot after he saw my vehicle rolled.

"I gotta thank [Infiniti] for the design of the [SUV] cuz it protected my family and I from dying. We're just lucky no one died and we can live to see another day and be reminded on how [lucky] we are. Life is short and you don't know when it's gonna end so enjoy it while you can."

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Note: This item was updated at approximately 8 p.m. ET to include a statement from Dodson