Just prior to his title bout against flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson at UFC 191, John Dodson and his girlfriend welcomed a newborn daughter into the world.
Johnson had arrived in Las Vegas for fight week when he received the call he needed to catch a flight right back to Albuquerque for the birth. Dodson spent the night in the hospital alongside his family before heading back to finish cutting weight.
Instead of enjoying his time with family, Dodson says he’s receiving flak from fans blaming the unanimous decision loss on his newborn and his mother.
“Everyone I lost the fight cuz I didn’t fight to my full potential,” Dodson wrote on Facebook. “It’s something I have to live with for the rest of my life and y’all can bad mouth me all you want but do me a favor please keep my mom and my newborn daughter outta y’all mouth.”
On Sept. 4, the Friday night before his fight, Dodson posted an image celebrating his mother’s birthday at a restaurant in Las Vegas.
Celebrating my mom’s birthday. Happy birthday Mom!
Posted by John “Magician” Dodson on Friday, September 4, 2015
“They didn’t do anything to deserve your hatred,” Dodson continued. “I do and I take responsibility for it. Thank you I appreciate your hate towards me losing. Have a nice day.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Get paid, or not. Frank Mir, Andrei Arlovski and Anythony Johnson all earned more than flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson at UFC 191.
‘I need him.’ UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier says he needs Jon Jones back so he can “stop playing around with these guys.”
‘He’s going to get knocked out.’ UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw says he’ll finish Dominick Cruz faster than he did Renan Barao.
Mark your calendar. The Nevada Athletic Commission sets dates for its disciplinary hearings for Nick Diaz, Rousimar Palhares and Jake Shields.
Medical suspension. Heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Frank Mir are among five UFC 191 fighters potentially out until 2016.
Watch The MMA Hour with TJ Dillashaw, Mark Hunt, Holly Holm, Sam Stout, Brad Pickett, Valerie Letourneau, Kyra Gracie, Jinh Yu Frey.
MEDIA STEW
Conor McGregor says he’s handing out lottery tickets.
Jimmy Smith rolling with Phil Davis.
Kyra Gracie’s new MMA travel show launched on UFC Fight Pass.
Firas Zahabi teaching how to drop into leglocks.
Urijah Faber would fight T.J. Dillashaw if that’s what he wanted.
TTTHS.
Long watches.
…
TWEETS
Camping.
Getting that championship work in. December 12th is gonna be a great day ! pic.twitter.com/BXLP8GVfPJ
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) September 8, 2015
Jan. 2nd will be here before we know it. Gotta stay on the grind. PC Will Fox https://t.co/pYqWNoDBSQ pic.twitter.com/PhpnzrihQ8
— Carlos Condit (@CarlosCondit) September 8, 2015
Congrats.
My 14 days of “mandatory rest” is over….so excited to be back in the gym. @ufc I’m ready
— Neil Magny (@NeilMagny) September 8, 2015
Congrats to @Duffy_MMA on earning his purple belt! https://t.co/jNvN8NPSgt pic.twitter.com/L0Yf77NgVR
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 8, 2015
I’m still undefeated after wrestling down the #CinnamonSwirlFrenchToast from @CarlsJr/@Hardees pic.twitter.com/sSV6lrVbQq
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) September 8, 2015
Thanks, dad.
About to hit Rodeo Drive, who’s coming w us! Thanks @danawhite @lorenzofertitta $$ #TUF22 #ufc194… https://t.co/IqOfRCKqSG
— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) September 8, 2015
Ouch.
Sorry to all my friends and fans out there. I’m not making any excuses; It was a tough, hard fight. Unfortunately, early in the 2nd round, I blew my knee and it changed my game plan and what I could do. I faught for the next 6 minutes like this. I’m taking nothing away from Paige and have a lot of respect for her.Thank you to everyone who has been with me on my journey, my sponsors, American Top Team, Northside Pure Boxing, LRP Performance, and the @ufc @danawhiteufc @seanshelby for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to healing up, begin training for my next fight, and continue doing what I love.
Beef.
@lc_davis @llezneDavis there’s one part of my body big enough for both of your whole familys to eat!
— Joe Warren (@JoeWarrenMMA) September 8, 2015
Get well soon.
Knee is feeling good and up and walking on it!! Just waiting on that swelling to go down and I’m… https://t.co/49IQLfiF0B
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 8, 2015
In the movies.
Excited for this premiere tonight at Arclight Sunset Blvd. pic.twitter.com/HLhIOMSeXn
— Chuck Liddell (@ChuckLiddell) September 8, 2015
Dang.
Hey @arielhelwani just out here doing MAN shit, Remember when you said you were going to come help?? pic.twitter.com/RVfjo5spRq
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) September 8, 2015
Well @arielhelwani I was talking all that shit. Fucking took a fall off the Roof and broke my Nail gun. Bullshit off to Home Depot
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) September 8, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Sept. 8 2015)
Hisaki Kato vs. Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 146
Dennis Olson vs. Brennan Ward at Bellator 144
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.