John Lineker had a good night on Wednesday night, taking out Michael McDonald in the first round at UFC Fight Night 91. The former flyweight contender has found new life at 135 lbs. after his previous weight-cutting issues, and he as pleased with how things played out in South Dakota.
“I’m pretty happy,” Lineker said after the event (via MMAJunkie.com). “I hope I justified being in the main event. Let’s go to the next one… My strategy was to go in and come back. But I always look for the finish. I managed to get my hand on him and got the knockout. I thought the first time I got him hurt [I might be able to finish], but he’s a really tough guy and he came back. I knew I couldn’t stop.”
With another win at bantamweight under him, Lineker’s next target is Dominick Cruz and the UFC Bantmweight Championship. He thinks he’s made a strong case for that shot already, but whether it comes or not he believes he’s ready for that fight.
“I’m coming off four victories,” Lineker said. “I’m not sure what the UFC has in store for me. But I’m coming for him, and I’m going to come for what’s mine.”
Penick’s Analysis: Lineker’s right there in line, but he’s still behind T.J. Dillashaw at the moment. A fight with Cody Garbrandt should Garbrandt defeat Takeya Mizugaki next month could be a great No. 1 contender fight, but regardless of what matchup comes next Lineker will be a guy fans want to keep watching. He’s translated his game well to 135 lbs., and at this pace he’ll be getting that title fight in the next year.
[Photo (c) Bill Streicher via USA Today Sports]
Attention iPhone/iPad and Android users, if you’ve enjoyed our app in the past and followed us there, or if you’ve never checked it out, make sure to update to the latest version in the Apple store and/or Google Play store. We’ve launched a new look for the app, in line with our recent desktop overhaul. Make sure to check it out!
For current App users, swipe right to view next article, swipe left to view previous article.
Leave a Reply