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