Issue 135

December 2015

John Dodson dashes from the delivery room to the Octagon

Wednesday August 5th 

Just one month to go until his UFC 191 flyweight title rematch against Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson, and John Dodson is deep into fight camp at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Nick Urso, Joby Sanchez and Damacio Page.

Sunday August 16th

It’s date night for the flyweight contender, his pregnant girlfriend, Chelsea, and her son, Andres. Appropriately, the fighter nicknamed ‘The Magician’ takes them both to see a show at Max’s Magic Theater. 

Wednesday August 19th

After a tough camp starts to wind down, the Jackson-Wink team switch things up with a Ninja Warrior-inspired strength and conditioning challenge. John finishes runner-up behind UFC lightweight title challenger Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.

Thursday August 27th

Just days before fight week in Las Vegas, Dodson is given a special send-off by the folks at one of his favorite hangouts, Dave & Buster’s restaurant. “Thank y’all for all the support and I can’t wait to bring in the belt,” he posts.

Monday August 31st

Just one day after arriving in Vegas, Dodson receives news that his girlfriend has gone into labor. In a scene taken straight out of a romantic comedy, Dodson runs past bewildered onlookers through the airport to make it back home for the birth.

Tuesday September 1st

It’s 2:45am and John has made it back to the hospital in Albuquerque to welcome Delilah Skye Dodson into the world. “It’s awesome, I’ve got a little baby... Gives me another reason to fight for,” says the first-time father.

Saturday September 5th

Dodson returns to Las Vegas to face Johnson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but he loses a unanimous decision. “I can’t sit there and bad-mouth him because the man’s still the champion,” he concedes at the post-fight press conference.