I think they let him go because he probably couldn't pass a USADA test. That's what most people speculated.
Meant it as during the 4 year retirement he had, he began power lifting and started taking substances for gains. He bulked up to 280 and he already left the USADA testing pool. When he came back, it might've still been in his system. Listen to how Dana phrases the situation:1. USADA testing started in the middle of his second UFC run.
2. According to MMA fans, everybody in the UFC is on roids anyway, so what does it matter?
What do you mean by more freedom?AJ likely didn't want to deal with Dana and his ridiculous contracts. Bellator is the better organization for him at this point and provides much more freedom. The LHW division in Bellator is great as well so it's a win-win.