Michael McDonald inks multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA

That was fast.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight contender Michael McDonald, 26, was granted his unconditional release earlier this year after “dishonest” dealings with the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion.

See how it all unfolded here.

McDonald (17-4) has not won consecutive fights in almost five years. It probably didn't help that he only competed a handful of times during that span due to recurring injuries.

"For the longest time, I haven't wanted to say anything about this," McDonald told ESPN earlier this year. "When people open their mouths and talk about how they're not paid enough, it seems like they disappear. I'm to a point now where I have nothing to lose. The UFC isn't paying my bills as it is."

Time for a fresh start.

McDonald was last seen on the wrong end of a John Lineker knockout, which took place at UFC Fight Night 91 last July. A date for his Spike TV debut has not been revealed at this time; however, it would not surprise me to see him land here.

We’ll find out soon enough.