John Dodson has established himself as one of the most dynamic fighters in mixed martial arts, known for his explosive speed and knockout power.
This article will teach you about John Dodson’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
John Dodson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Dodson |
| Nickname | The Magician |
| Born | September 26, 1984 |
| Age | 39 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’3″ (1.60m) |
| Reach | 1.68m |
| Fighting Style | Wrestling |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Wife | Chelsea Dodson |
| Instagram Profile | @johndodsonmma |
Early Career
John Dodson began his martial arts journey in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he grew up in an area known as “The War Zone.”
Despite facing severe bullying in high school, he excelled in athletics and was offered multiple scholarships, including ones for track and field at the University of Miami and wrestling at Penn State.
However, he chose a different path that would eventually lead him to mixed martial arts.
Professional Career
Dodson’s professional MMA career has been marked by impressive achievements across multiple promotions.
He gained widespread recognition after winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 14 and went on to challenge for the UFC Flyweight Championship twice against Demetrious Johnson.
His career has included notable victories over fighters like John Moraga, Jussier Formiga, and Manny Gamburyan.
After his UFC tenure, he transitioned to other promotions including BKFC and Rizin, where he continues to compete at a high level.
Wife
Dodson is married to Chelsea Dodson, and they have a daughter named Delilah. His personal life story includes working at Chuck E. Cheese for 6 years while pursuing his fighting career.
He comes from a mixed heritage, being half African-American and half Filipino, and has a younger brother who has been a crucial support throughout his life.
John Dodson’s Net Worth Details
John Dodson’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Fight Purse
| Event | Opponent | Purse | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKFC 28 | Ryan Benoit | $75,000 | Win (KO – 40 seconds) |
Endorsements
- MMA equipment brands
- Supplement companies
- Local Albuquerque businesses
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T.J. Dillashaw | TUF 14 Finale | Win | TKO (R1) | 2011 |
| Demetrious Johnson | UFC on Fox | Loss | Decision | 2013 |
| Demetrious Johnson | UFC 191 | Loss | Decision | 2015 |
| John Lineker | UFC Fight Night | Loss | Decision | 2016 |
| John Moraga | UFC Fight Night | Win | TKO (R2) | 2014 |
| Petr Yan | UFC Fight Night | Loss | Decision | 2019 |
| Eddie Wineland | UFC Fight Night | Win | Decision | 2017 |
| Marlon Moraes | UFC Fight Night | Loss | Decision | 2017 |
| Jimmie Rivera | UFC 228 | Loss | Decision | 2018 |
| Hiromasa Ougikubo | Rizin 45 | Loss | Decision | 2023 |
FAQs
1. Who is John Dodson?
John Dodson is an American mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer known for competing in the flyweight divisions of Rizin Fighting Federation and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He is the inaugural and current BKFC Flyweight Champion. Dodson has a professional MMA record of 24-14-0 and has also made a name for himself in bare-knuckle boxing with a record of 4-0-1.
2. What are some of John Dodson’s career highlights?
John Dodson’s career highlights include winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 14, becoming the first-ever BKFC Flyweight Champion, and challenging for the UFC Flyweight Championship twice against Demetrious Johnson. He has notable wins over fighters like T.J. Dillashaw, Jussier Formiga, and Zach Makovsky.
3. What is John Dodson’s fighting style?
Dodson is known for his explosive striking, particularly his knockout power, and his wrestling background. He uses a southpaw stance and has a black belt in Gaidojutsu. His style includes quick, powerful punches, effective body shots, and a strong anti-wrestling defense, making him a formidable opponent in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing.
4. How did John Dodson start his combat sports career?
John Dodson began his combat sports journey as a wrestler, becoming a two-time state champion in high school. His transition to MMA was facilitated by Greg Jackson, who spotted his potential and recruited him into mixed martial arts.
5. What is John Dodson’s record in the UFC?
In the UFC, John Dodson had a record of 10-7. His notable performances include his debut win against T.J. Dillashaw, earning Knockout of the Night honors, and his fights for the flyweight title against Demetrious Johnson.
6. Has John Dodson won any titles in bare-knuckle boxing?
Yes, John Dodson is the inaugural and current BKFC Flyweight Champion. He won the title with a first-round TKO against JR Ridge.
7. What are some of John Dodson’s notable achievements outside of fighting?
Outside of fighting, John Dodson has appeared in films like “Army of the Dead” and “Shot Caller.” He also has a strong family background, being married to Chelsea Dodson with whom he has one child.
8. What is John Dodson’s approach to anti-wrestling in MMA?
Dodson’s anti-wrestling strategy involves using his striking to deter takedown attempts. He frequently hooks to the body, which can turn into an automatic underhook if an opponent tries to shoot, and he uses level-changing strikes to keep opponents at bay.
9. How has John Dodson performed in his bare-knuckle boxing matches?
John Dodson has been highly successful in bare-knuckle boxing, maintaining an undefeated record of 4-0-1 in BKFC. His fights often end in the first round, showcasing his ability to finish opponents quickly.
10. What is John Dodson’s background in terms of family and upbringing?
John Dodson grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in an area known as “The Warzone.” He has a younger brother, Eric, who also competes in BKFC. Their mother worked multiple jobs, leading John and his brother to essentially raise themselves, staying out of trouble and supporting each other in their endeavors.
