John Lineker
Hands of Stone
Brazil
Let go by UFC
Lineker was released by the UFC late Tuesday evening, John Morgan of MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a bit puzzling to see a skilled fighter with 16 UFC fights under his belt let go at the age of 29, so it's fair to wonder if something else may be in play here behind the scenes. Lineker had competed just once per year over the last three years, and had recently voiced his opinion about wanting to fight more frequently. Shortly after that, he was forced to withdraw from a scheduled rematch against Rob Font at UFC Greenville on June 22 due to a facial laceration that occurred during his weight cut. In the end, he'll have to bounce back from his April loss to Cory Sandhagen under the banner of another promotion. After accumulating a 12-4 record across both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, Lineker will be a highly-coveted acquisition that won't be far from the title conversation at whichever organization he lands with.
It's a bit puzzling to see a skilled fighter with 16 UFC fights under his belt let go at the age of 29, so it's fair to wonder if something else may be in play here behind the scenes. Lineker had competed just once per year over the last three years, and had recently voiced his opinion about wanting to fight more frequently. Shortly after that, he was forced to withdraw from a scheduled rematch against Rob Font at UFC Greenville on June 22 due to a facial laceration that occurred during his weight cut. In the end, he'll have to bounce back from his April loss to Cory Sandhagen under the banner of another promotion. After accumulating a 12-4 record across both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, Lineker will be a highly-coveted acquisition that won't be far from the title conversation at whichever organization he lands with.
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More Fantasy News
Pulls out of Greenville
Lineker withdrew from his fight against Rob Font at UFC Greenville after suffering a cut Thursday night, Ariel Helwani of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The specifics regarding the cut Lineker suffered are unclear, but after a trip to the hospital it was deemed severe enough to keep him from fighting. The fight will be taken off the card entirely.
The specifics regarding the cut Lineker suffered are unclear, but after a trip to the hospital it was deemed severe enough to keep him from fighting. The fight will be taken off the card entirely.
Steps in at UFC Greenville
Linekar will replace Cody Stamann and take on Rob Font in a bantamweight bout at UFC Greenville.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear what caused Stamann to pull out of the fight at this time, but the UFC wasted no time finding a replacement for the matchup. Linekar most recently lost to Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision at UFC Fort Laurderdale back in late April, so this will be a quicker-than-usual turnaround for the fighter.
It's unclear what caused Stamann to pull out of the fight at this time, but the UFC wasted no time finding a replacement for the matchup. Linekar most recently lost to Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision at UFC Fort Laurderdale back in late April, so this will be a quicker-than-usual turnaround for the fighter.
Comes up short in competitive bout
Lineker lost to Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Lineker gave up nine inches in height and three inches in reach to the red-hot prospect, and Sandhagen did a great job using it to his advantage. Nonetheless, Lineker threatened consistently and was able to land effectively to the body, where the damage was worn well by Sandhagen. Lineker almost finished the fight at the very end of the third round with a tight guillotine, but Sandhagen was able survive. Lineker showed he can have a future in the bantamweight division, though it will be tough sledding moving forward.
Lineker gave up nine inches in height and three inches in reach to the red-hot prospect, and Sandhagen did a great job using it to his advantage. Nonetheless, Lineker threatened consistently and was able to land effectively to the body, where the damage was worn well by Sandhagen. Lineker almost finished the fight at the very end of the third round with a tight guillotine, but Sandhagen was able survive. Lineker showed he can have a future in the bantamweight division, though it will be tough sledding moving forward.
Rescheduled for Fort Lauderdale
Lineker (ribs) will take on Cory Sandhagen in a bantamweight matchup at UFC Fort Lauderdale on April 27, Aaron Bronsteter of TSN.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
This matchup was originally scheduled for the first-ever card on ESPN+ in Brooklyn, but fell through after Lineker was forced to withdraw due to a ribs injury. He'll be cleared to compete again a few months later, looking to put his two-fight winning streak on the line against the 3-0 prospect. This has the makings of a fan-friendly fight, as Lineker likes to press forward, and both men have above-average numbers when it comes to volume striking. Lineker had a big fantasy day with 102 significant strikes and a stoppage his last time out, but his three prior fights have gone to the judges. On the other hand, none of Sandhagen's first three bouts have seen the final bell.
This matchup was originally scheduled for the first-ever card on ESPN+ in Brooklyn, but fell through after Lineker was forced to withdraw due to a ribs injury. He'll be cleared to compete again a few months later, looking to put his two-fight winning streak on the line against the 3-0 prospect. This has the makings of a fan-friendly fight, as Lineker likes to press forward, and both men have above-average numbers when it comes to volume striking. Lineker had a big fantasy day with 102 significant strikes and a stoppage his last time out, but his three prior fights have gone to the judges. On the other hand, none of Sandhagen's first three bouts have seen the final bell.
Bows out of UFC Brooklyn
Lineker has withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Cory Sandhagen at UFC Brooklyn due to a rib injury, Ariel Helwani of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear when Lineker suffered the injury or how long it will keep him sidelined. With the event taking place in just nine days, it could be difficult to find a replacement for Lineker in time.
It's unclear when Lineker suffered the injury or how long it will keep him sidelined. With the event taking place in just nine days, it could be difficult to find a replacement for Lineker in time.