Former title contender Michael McDonald released from the UFC

Former bantamweight title contender Michael McDonald has been released from his contract with the UFC.

UFC officials confirmed McDonald's release to FOX Sports on Friday following an initial report from ESPN.

According to McDonald, he asked for his release due to "dishonest" business practices by the UFC and the promotion granted his request to leave the organization.

McDonald hasn't fought since last July when he suffered a knockout loss to John Lineker at UFC Fight Night in South Dakota.

It was a tough run at the end of McDonald's career with the UFC going 2-3 in his last five fights, including his fourth-round submission loss to former bantamweight champion Renan Barao.

The California native had also been forced to sit on the sidelines for extended periods of time due to several hand injuries that kept him from competing on a regular schedule.

Now McDonald will look to move forward with his career outside the UFC now that he's secured his release from the promotion.