There is no rest for the wicked. As the UFC closes out an action-packed September that featured an event each weekend, the Octagon will return to action Saturday, Oct. 1, for Fight Night 96.
Featured on the fight card is a bantamweight showdown between a couple of fighters who, not so long ago, were flyweight contenders. Both John Dodson and John Lineker have jumped up a weight class in hopes of carving out a title path, but only one will take a leap forward Saturday night.
Since moving to 135 pounds, Lineker has reeled off three impressive wins, running his total win streak to five. Dodson, who joined the promotion as a bantamweight, won in his return to 135 earlier this year.
In the evening’s co-main event, Will Brooks looks to bolster his UFC record to 2-0. The former Bellator champion is set to square off against Alex Oliveira, who has won four of his past five outings.
The full Fight Night 96 main card looks like this:
- John Dodson vs. John Lineker
- Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira
- Josh Burkman vs. Zak Ottow
- Louis Smolka vs. Brandon Moreno
As always, the Bleacher Report picks team has assembled for the purpose of providing you with our predictions for each bout. It’s Scott Harris, Sydnie Jones, Nathan McCarter, Steven Rondina and Craig Amos coming at you!