Former UFC Title Challenger John Dodson Booked Against Cody Gibson at XMMA 2

Former UFC flyweight title challenger John Dodson will compete for the first time since August 2020 when he meets fellow Octagon veteran Cody Gibson at XMMA 2.

Dodson confirmed the pairing on social media following a report from MMAjunkie.com. XMMA 2 takes place on July 30 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. No other fights have been currently confirmed for the event. XMMA’s debut event took place on Jan. 30 and featured a slew of big-show veterans such as James Vick, Francisco Rivera, Kyle Bochniak, Andre Fialho and Chris Curtis, to name a few.

Let's go! I'm fighting and ready to go! pic.twitter.com/yo4HY9hlzT

— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) June 7, 2021

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.

A four-time UFC veteran, Gibson enters the matchup with Dodson having won four of his last five professional outings. Most recently, the 33-year-old Elite Team member outpointed Gustavo Erak at Legacy Fighting Alliance 51 in September 2018. “The Renegade” went 1-3 during his Octagon tenure, earning his lone victory via first-round TKO against Johnny Bedford at UFC Fight Night 44.