The UFC Fight Night 30 main card kicked off in the flyweight division as British veteran Phil Harris took on Brazilian slugger John Lineker. Many thought the bout had the potential to claim the Fight of the Night bonus check.
Lineker came into the fight controversially as he missed weight for the third time in the UFC. Harris took the bout, anyway, as well as 25 percent of Lineker’s purse.
As for the bout itself, it took less than one round. Harris looked good early, but once Lineker got comfortable on the feet, he blasted the Brit with heavy body shots and head blows.
Here is what we learned from this flyweight bout.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
The body shot that crippled Harris. Everybody talks about the knockout power the Brazilian has when he decks a dude in the head, but this is the second instance I have seen a body shot set up the end of the fight.
Lineker nailed Harris right in the solar plexus with a huge right-body hook. That is the shot that put Harris on the mat, and the Brazilian was able to land a couple follow up shots to the head for the victory.
What We Learned About Lineker
This was a standard Lineker match with haymakers and a finish. What we continue to learn about “Hands of Stone” is that he cannot make 125 successfully.
The man has five fights in the UFC and has failed to make weight in three of the bouts. Either he needs to get the weight-cut science and diet down or he needs to make the jump to 135 because it’s not fair or professional of him to have a 40-percent success rate at making 125.
What We Learned About Harris
We learned that Harris did not follow his game plan. While getting rocked can really scramble your brains, he did not really attempt any takedowns on the vicious striker.
Harris is as tough as a two-dollar steak, but nobody can withstand that kind of punishment from Lineker. Kudos to him, though, for sticking around as long as he did after initially getting stunned.
What’s Next for Lineker
We’ll see if he can stick around at flyweight. If he does, he is still far away from a title shot as he isn’t trustworthy enough to get a headlining opportunity like that.
Seeing how he didn’t take any damage in this fight, perhaps he has a spot open for him in December at UFC on Fox 9. Ian McCall dropped out of his bout with Scott Jorgensen, and “Young Guns” is in need of an opponent.
Lineker could step in there and try to show he can make the weight. If he can tip the scales at 125 and earn a win over Jorgensen, he could be considered top five.
What’s Next for Harris
It’s back to the drawing board for Harris, who falls to 1-2 with the UFC. His stock doesn’t take much of a hit, though, as his opponent came in heavy.
A bout against recent losers Iliarde Santos or Marcos Vinicius could serve as a “loser leaves town” bout. Either Santos or Vinicius match up very well with the Brit and could serve as an intriguing undercard fight.
The UFC 166 pay-per-view kicked off and saw Greg Jackson-disciple John Dodson take on UFC debutant Darrell Montague in the flyweight division. Many thought the bout had the potential to claim the Fight of the Night bonus check.
This fight did not have to leave the first round to name a definitive winner. Dodson threw heavy leather, caught Montague’s chin and put him away via knockout.
Here is what we learned from this flyweight bout.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
John Dodson’s power. For a little 125er, he throws power punches like a welterweight. Every punch he threw had bad intentions, and it showed from the multiple times he hurt Montague.
It was an impressive performance.
What We Learned About Dodson
He is ready for another title shot. He beat a Top 10 flyweight convincingly in the first round.
His striking is as good as it gets at flyweight, and his takedown defense is top notch. He could be a top-three flyweight in the world.
What We Learned About Montague
To be honest, we didn’t learn a whole lot other than he is tough as nails. He didn’t get a chance to show off any offense, but he showed a tremendous jaw.
He can take a punch as well as anyone. Hopefully he’ll get a good rebound fight, because Montague is a legit 125er. He just didn’t get to show it on Saturday night.
What’s Next for Dodson
He should face the winner of Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez for the title. If that is not an option, a showdown with the winner of Ian McCall vs. Scott Jorgensen is equally fine.
What’s Next for Montague
He needs time to rebuild in the UFC, so he has some options. I think a bout with the loser of John Lineker vs. Phil Harris would be a good rebound fight.
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