A little under a month ago, John Lineker competed against Cory Sandhagen, coming up short to the rising Bantamweight on the judges scorecards at UFC Fight Night 150 in Sunrise, Florida (recap here). Now it seems “Hands of Stone” is ready to get back on the horse, and fast.
That’s why the Brazilian bomber took to Twitter to vent, telling Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that if matchmakers don’t like his style or him, for whatever reason, they can go ahead and send him packing.
His words:
My last opponent fought 4 times in a year. He already has another fight! Sean likes him! I have fought only 4 times since 2016! I need to fight! If you dont like me or my style just let me go!!! @MMAjunkie @seanshelby @danawhite @Alexdavismma @ufc @MMAFighting @sherdogdotcom
— John Lineker (@johnlineker) May 29, 2019
“My last opponent fought 4 times in a year. He already has another fight! Sean likes him! I have fought only 4 times since 2016! I need to fight! If you dont like me or my style just let me go!!!”
John’s outburst comes on the heels of finding out that Sandhagen has already been booked to compete against Raphael Assuncao at UFC 241 on August 17. Since late 2016, Lineker has only competed four times, though he did have trouble staying healthy, forcing the cancellation of two fights.
Fighters calling for their UFC release has been the norm over the last few years seeing as how there are now more options than ever to find employment in the face-punching business. As far as UFC not liking his style, I’d find that very hard to believe, as John has always been known as an exciting standup fighter with heavy hands.
That said, “Hands of Stone” is very used to being a busy man, as he competed four times in an eight month stretch back in 2016, going 3-1 with his lone loss coming against T.J. Dillashaw. Still, Lineker seems to think there is some sort of favoritism going on in the Bantamweight division, so if the promotion doesn’t book him a fight, and soon, expect his calls for a release to only get louder.