The UFC returns to Portland, Oregon, on Saturday for the first time since 2009 with a solid offering on Fox Sports 1.
In the main event, former flyweights John Dodson and John Lineker meet in a strong matchup with implications for the wide-open bantamweight title picture. Dodson challenged twice for the title at flyweight but fell short both times against pound-for-pound great Demetrious Johnson. Lineker repeatedly failed to make the weight but has looked like a monster in three fights at 135 pounds.
With champion Dominick Cruz’s next defense still up in the air and a bevy of potential challengers milling around the division, the winner of this fight has a chance of making an impressive statement.
The co-main event is also an excellent matchup. Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks takes on Brazil’s Alex Oliveira in an intriguing and entertaining fight that should have the winner facing a Top 10 opponent.
The rest of the card, as with most Fox Sports 1 events, has fun but mostly irrelevant fights. There are some promising prospects and good action fights but nothing that specifically demands the viewer’s attention.
Let’s take a look at each matchup.