John Lineker knew he put himself against the wall again when he missed weight for the third time in five UFC bouts. He came in three pounds over the flyweight limit of 125 (126, if you count the one-pound allowance), and he faced a possible cut fr…
John Lineker knew he put himself against the wall again when he missed weight for the third time in five UFC bouts. He came in three pounds over the flyweight limit of 125 (126, if you count the one-pound allowance), and he faced a possible cut from the UFC if he did not defeat Phil Harris, let alone looking good against “Billy” in Manchester.
Once again, though, Lineker never let his opponent take control of the bout. He tagged Harris with shots to the head, landed a shot to the body that sent Harris down and rained down with some ground and pound to secure his fourth-straight victory. Better yet, he put Harris down in Harris’ home country, and now, the MMA world awaits Lineker‘s next move.
Will he make a run towards the UFC flyweight title? Will he look to take on one more “name” opponent before eyeing down the winner of the Demetrious Johnson-Joseph Benavidez rematch at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale? Will he take time off to recharge and come back as a new Lineker in 2014?
Nobody knows Lineker‘s next move, but it never looks good to miss weight, even if the guy missing weight rides a four-fight winning streak, as Lineker now does. Not only does it scream “unprofessional,” but it also makes it hard to coin said athlete as a title contender, even though Lineker holds the only justifiable case for a title bout, save for John Dodson.
The fact remains that unless he changes something up in his pre-fight preparation, he will not get to where he wants to go as a flyweight, and so he must now consider moving up in weight.
For non-champions, changing weight classes normally comes as a means to reinvent one’s career after a string of losses, but Lineker‘s case does not fit that bill. He presents a case that, with this third instance of coming in overweight, he sees fans liken him to ThiagoAlves and Anthony Johnson, both of whom experienced instances of coming in overweight to fights as UFC welterweights.
Bantamweight at least seems reasonable for Lineker because, aside from the “missing weight” issue, Lineker could actually find that he doesn’t hold as much of a disadvantage in the size department, as some would otherwise believe. Flyweight may hold more comfort for Lineker, but again, it all goes back to the issue of making weight for the fight.
If Lineker had trouble making 125-126 for this fight, as well as his fight with Louis Gaudinot and his UFC 163 bout with Jose Maria Tome, perhaps, the cut just taxes him too much. If that proves true in any sense, then not taking time to at least consider the move will not only cost him some of his future purses, but it may also cut his fighting career relatively short.
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…
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.
(An elusive striker who throws punches like they cost him money vs. a former All-American wrestler. Yeah, baby. This is the matchup the Brits have been *begging* for. / Photo via Getty)
Handling the play-by-play for us today will be George Shunick, who will be stacking results from the FOX Sports 2 main card broadcast after the jump beginning at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and fire off your own observational witticisms in the comments section.
(An elusive striker who throws punches like they cost him money vs. a former All-American wrestler. Yeah, baby. This is the matchup the Brits have been *begging* for. / Photo via Getty)
Handling the play-by-play for us today will be George Shunick, who will be stacking results from the FOX Sports 2 main card broadcast after the jump beginning at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest updates, and fire off your own observational witticisms in the comments section.
Preliminary Card Results
– Al Iaquinta def. Piotr Hallmann via unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
– Luke Barnatt def. Andrew Craig via submission (rear-naked choke), 2:12 of round 2
– Jessica Andrade def. Rosi Sexton via unanimous decision (30-26 x 2, 30-27)
– Cole Miller def. Andy Ogle via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
– Jimy Hettes def. Robert Whiteford via technical submission (triangle choke), 2:17 of round 2
– Brad Scott def. Michael Kuiper via submission (front choke), 4:17 of round 1
Welcome Potato Nation, to this Saturday presentation of the prestigious UFC liveblog. I know plenty of you are probably surfing between watching the fights and college football – not that any of you went to college, you degenerates – so this should keep you up-to-date on today’s happenings while you attempt to filter the sheer amount of sanctioned violence you will bear witness to. The main event today will be Lyoto Machida making his debut in the middleweight division against wrestler and power striker Mark Muñoz. I’m taking Machida, but don’t discount Muñoz’ knockout power or the judges’ ability to utterly fail to understand the most basic precepts of MMA. With that said, on to the fights!
Phil Harris vs. John Lineker
Like Lineker here; dude packs serious power and manages to be an exceptionally exciting fighter in an exciting division to begin with. Harris will be a test, but one he should pass.
Round 1
Harris misses an overhand. Lineker lands a low kick that spins Harris around. Overhand from Harris grazes Lineker. Low kick from Lineker spins Harris around again. Another lands. Harris’ leg is already reddened. Harris lands a 1-2 combo. Another right from Harris. Linker drops him with a right, but it’s as much a slip as the power. Body shot from Lineker. Left hook rocks Harris! He’s wobbly but fires back. Right hand drops Harris. Harris stands but he’s wobbly and eating shots. Body shots followed by a left hook to the head. Harris is in big trouble. Left hook the liver drops Harris, Lineker swarms and it’s all over. Beautiful liver shot from Lineker ends the fight. John Lineker def. Phil Harris via TKO, 2:51 of round 1.
Replay shows the punch landed on Harris’ solar plexus. As Rogan notes, Lineker didn’t make weight for the fight; still, it’s an impressive win. Lineker is still relatively raw and isn’t remotely ready to hang with John Dodson or Demetrious Johnson, but it will be interesting to see him develop over the next year or two.
Alessio Sakara vs. Nicholas Musoke
Musoke is from Sweden. Sakara is from Italy. Ummmm… that’s the extent of my analysis here.
Round 1
Musoke moving forward, but Sakara hurts him and tosses him to the ground. Sakara lands a left inside Musoke’s guard. Sakara gets caught! Musoke lands knees from the clinch! Both men are swinging in the middle of the octagon now! Musoke clinches against the fence and takes Sakara down. Sakara went for a triangle, but Musoke uses this to pass to half-guard. Now side control. Knee to the body from Musoke. Sakara regains half-guard. Sakara explodes from the bottom and starts throwing bombs from the top! Now in Musoke’s guard. WHOA! Musoke with an armbar out of nowhere wins it for the Swede! Nicholas Musoke def. Alessio Sakara via verbal submission (armbar), 3:07 of round 1.
If you blinked, you missed that armbar. Damn. Excellent debut for Musoke. Gustafsson, in the crowd, applauds his countryman’s accomplishments. In the polite, reserved Swedish manner, of course.
Norman Parke vs. Jon Tuck
Norman Parke is a TUF Smashes winner. Jon Tuck is a former competitor on TUF Live. In other words, none of you know who either fighter is.
Round 1
Jon Tuck’s nickname is “The Super Saiyan.” Well I know who I’m rooting for. Tuck opens with a headkick. He lands a low kick. Body kick from Tuck. Parke answers with one of his own. Right lands from Tuck. Parke lands a low kick. High kick from Tuck blocked. Nice left hand from Parke. Tuck unloads with three straight rights. They exchange crosses. Parke wiffs on a 1-2. Parke says he got poked but Tuck goes after him anyway; the ref doesn’t intervene. Rogan claims there was no eye poke according to replays. Both exchange crosses again; Tuck’s right against Parke’s left. Teep from Tuck. Low kick Tuck. Tuck barely misses a high kick. Parke lands a nice counter left. Right to the body from Tuck. Parke goes for a takedown at the end of the round and gets it just as time expires. Close round. 10-10.
Round 2
Left to the body from Parke, who’s gaining the momentum. Now he works the jab.Tuck is slowing down but lands a nice body kick. Parke lands a counter left, the a shot to the body. Nice right from Tuck. Uppercut from Parke. Right hook, left cross from Parke. Parke is putting the pressure on now. He’s beginning to land more and more. Left to the body followed by a kick from Parke. Uppercut Parke. Three punch combo for Parke. Nice body shot from Tuck, but immediately countered with a cross. Another cross lands for Parke. Parke isn’t letting Tuck breathe. He’s continuing to land combinations at will. Tuck is tired, and it’s really showing right now. He tries for a flying knee, but it’s blocked. Uppercut-cross combo from Parke. Tuck misses a superman punch off the cage. Parke lands another left. Round ends, 10-9 Parke.
Round 3
jab lands from Parke. Parke misses a capoeira kick. Body shot from Parke. Tuck needs to get the fight to the ground, but he’s not making any effort to do so. They exchange in the center of the ring, smiling at each other. Tuck’s mouthpiece is knocked out, and he’s hit with a barrage as he picks it up and pops it back in his mouth. now he’s getting tagged repeatedly by Parke. Tuck is simply exhausted. Tuck lands a body shot and a knee from the clinch. Parke with a big combo, though. Uppercut from Parke. Then an overhand. Park with a body kick. Tuck is on fumes as the last minute approaches. Left over the top from Parke. 3 punch combo lands from Parke. Two big overhands from Park. They’re exchanging until the end of the round, with Parke almost landing that capoeira kick. He should win this fight handily though.
Norman Parke def. Jon Tuck via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27). Tuck should’ve eaten a senzu bean between rounds. That’s just poor planning on his part.
Jimi Manuwa vs. Ryan Jimmo
On one hand, Jimi Manuwa is a terrifying striker. On the other, he’s got a terrible ground game. He last beat Cyrille Diabate when the latter injured his calf. In other words, I’m not sold on the hype. Jimmo by submission or decision.
Round 1
Jimmo comes forward. Manuwa lands a left. Jimmo with a low kick. He reutns with a kick that Manuwa catches. Jimmo uses this to initiate a clinch and bring the fight to the fence. Manuwa lands a knee. Jimmo focusing on positioning. The ref separates them, and Manuwa lands two knees and pushes Jimmo into the fence. Jimmo lands a knee to the face, but it lacks the impact of Manuwa’s. Manuwa landing knees to the thighs of Jimmo. Jimmo winces and turns them around against the cage. Manuwa switches now, but the ref separates them. Jimmo’s in obvious pain, and Manuwa accentuates his point with a low kick. Body kick from Jimmo. Low kick from Manuwa. Hook kick almost lands from Manuwa. Jimmo answers a low kick with a body kick. Manuwa seems like he’s beginning to slow.Jimmo has more energy, but he’s currently refusing to engage. Manuwa tries to chase him down. Jimmo lands a counter right on a hard kick from Manuwa. 10-9 Manuwa.
Round 2
Manuwa rushes in and lands a right, only to get turned around and put against the cage. Jimmo can’t land anything from this position, though. Nice knee to the face, though. The ref breaks them. BIG body kick from Manuwa. Jimmo lands a low kick. High kicked from Manuwa blocked, but vicious low kick lands. Another lands. Manuwa rushes Jimmo into the fence, and begins to land short knees until he’s quickly reversed. Still, Jimmo can’t manage to do much with this position. Jimmo is hit with a low blow, and the fight is briefly stopped. Low kick from Manuwa. Jimmo almost lands a takedown, but they’re back against the fence, neither man doing anything. They’re separated again. Manuwa pushes Jimmo into the fence. They separate and Manuwa lands a big knee! Suddenly Jimmo goes down; it doesn’t appear to have been caused by the knee. The fight is over. The Curse of Manuwa strikes again. Jimi Manuwa def. Ryan Jimmo via TKO (injury), 4:41 of round 2.
Rogan asks Manuwa what sorcerer he trained with prior to this fight. Or he would if he was a responsible broadcaster! Alas, we will never know what dark magics played a role in his triumph. In the meantime, we get a shot of Michael Bisping firing up the crowd with something other than vitriol. Only in Britain.
Ross Pearson vs. Melvin Guillard
This fight isn’t as one-sided as some of you might think. Yes, Guillard has the speed and power, but on the other hand… he’s Melvin Guillard. He can be dominating the fight, but the instant something goes wrong he loses. His misfortunes metastasize as a single slipping rock may set off an avalanche. Should he win? Yes. Will he? I’m not so sure.
Round 1
They touch gloves. Guillard moving on the outside. Pearson with an inside leg kick. Guillard lands a left. Kick checked by Pearson. Inside kick from Pearson. Guillard misses an uppercut. Guillard lands a right to Pearson’s temple. And another. Guillard is loose now. Pearson still pushing forward. Knee from the clinch by Guillard. Flying knee from Pearson, who lands on the canvas! As he tries to return to his feet, Guillard knees him in the temple. The fight is stopped; the first knee is barely legal. However, the second knee is technically illegal — Pearson’s hand was on the ground. All in all, an unsatisfying conclusion to this business.
The fight is declared a no-contest due to an accidental illegal knee (1:57 of round 1). The audio keeps cutting out, presumably due to audience profanity, as Rogan tries to interview Pearson. Pearson has a nasty cut on his forehead; even if the fight wasn’t stopped for an illegal blow, it wouldn’t have lasted much longer. That cut would’ve been a fight-ender.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mark Muñoz
Machida’s movement, striking and takedown defense should prove too much here. Most people forget that Muñoz’ takedowns aren’t that exceptional; he was an accomplished collegiate wrestler largely on the strength of his scrambling and positional abilities. However, should Muñoz succeed in taking Machida down, he’s more than capable of finishing him. His ground and pound is extraordinarily powerful, and possesses more power from the guard than anyone since Fedor. But I suspect it won’t factor into this fight. Machida via decision.
Round 1
They touch gloves. Lots of distance between the two fighters so far. Machida looking for oblique kicks. Machida showing some weird movement right now. Over a minute in, no strikes landed. Muñoz misses a kick. Then he misses a takedown. Body kick from Machida lands! That’s our first strike, two minutes in. Hard body kick from Machida. Low kick Machida. HEAD KICK KNOCKOUT FOR MACHIDA! WOW! Fight’s over, ladies and gentlemen. Lyoto Machida def. Mark Munoz via KO, 3:10 of round 1.
So, Machida just won KO of the Night with that. He leaped on Muñoz when he fell, but restrained himself from following through, seeing Muñoz was out. Then they embraced when Muñoz came to. Lyoto Machida is that dude who will take you out and give you a hug after. Like a hyper-violent teddy bear. Nothing special in the post-fight interview. That’s all for today, heathens!
At UFC Fight Night 30, former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida will try to beat Mark Munoz and begin a run at the 185-pound championship.
Machida made his long-awaited move to the middleweight division on the heels of a loss to Phil Davis. Anot…
At UFC Fight Night 30, former light heavyweight champion LyotoMachida will try to beat Mark Munoz and begin a run at the 185-pound championship.
Machida made his long-awaited move to the middleweight division on the heels of a loss to Phil Davis. Another prerequisite to Machida‘s drop in weight was the dethroning of teammate and former 185-pound titleholder Anderson Silva. Now that Silva no longer holds the belt, Machida won’t feel as though he’s gunning at a friend by battling for a middleweight title shot.
Additionally, a lightweight bout between Melvin Guillard and Ross Pearson will be featured on the UFC Fight Night 30 main card. The Brit, Pearson, will have the home crowd behind him in this pivotal matchup, with Saturday’s event being held in Manchester, England.
At the conclusion of the fight card, several fighters will join UFC president Dana White for the post-fight press conference, which can be viewed live on the above video player.
Below is the full UFC Fight Night 30 card.
UFC Fight Night 30 Main Card (Fox Sports 2 at 3:00 PM ET)
LyotoMachida vs. Mark Munoz
Melvin Guillard vs. Ross Pearson
JimiManuwa vs. Ryan Jimmo
Norman Parke vs. Jon Tuck
AlessioSakara vs. Nicholas Musoke
Phil Harris vs. John Lineker
UFC Fight Night 30 Preliminary Card (UFC.com at 12:00 PM ET)
Even though Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida could easily dominate Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz on the ground, we can’t forget about Machida’s advanced striking ability. Think back to the way Machida finished…
Even though Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida could easily dominate Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz on the ground, we can’t forget about Machida’s advanced striking ability. Think back to the way Machida finished Rashad Evans, Randy Couture and Ryan Bader. He definitely has the striking prowess to land something explosive on Munoz.
On the other hand, they don’t call Munoz the Filipino Wrecking Machine for nothing. Six of his 13 professional wins have come by KO. He smashed his way through Chris Leben and C.B. Dollaway over the last two years.
Both Machida and Munoz have been victims of KO punches in their career, so it wouldn’t be unprecedented to see either man finished from strikes.
The safest bet is to pick Machida to win by decision, but the prospects of a KO are clear to see. There are two other fights that also carry potential to garner KO of the Night honors. They are as follows:
Ross Pearson vs. Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard
Anytime Guillard is in action, there is a chance the night will end explosively. Almost 46 percent (45.6) of his fights have ended in KO/TKO. Guillard himself has stopped 20 opponents and has only been knocked out once. That came in his Aug. 2012 meeting with Donald Cerrone at UFC 150.
Just before Cerrone stopped Guillard, the Young Assassin had rocked him severely. Unfortunately for Guillard, he couldn’t finish the deal. In his career, he has won KO of the Night three times. Most recently, he earned the bonus for his stoppage of Mac Danzig in July.
When he loses, Guillard usually falls victim to submissions. He’s lost nine of his 12 fights that way. Pearson would be wise to take him down as soon as he can. The longer he stands the more likely he gets caught with something big.
Pearson has the well-rounded game to employ this strategy. He has five wins by submission in his career. However, if he gets clipped in the process, Guillard could score a highlight-reel win.
Jimi “Poster Boy” Manuwa vs. “The Big Deal” Ryan Jimmo
This fight could come down to who lands the first hard significant strike. Jimmo displayed his monstrous power in his debut against Anthony Perosh in 2012. He took just seven seconds to eradicate Perosh and subsequently did the robot in his celebration dance.
The man that looks like Mr. Clean’s doppelganger can punch. If he connects with Manuwa, he might be going disco again.
Manuwa’s striking prowess is noteworthy as well. He’s 13-0 with all but one of his wins coming by KO/TKO. He has stopped both Kyle Kingsbury and Cyrille Diabate in his two UFC bouts. The Poster Boy has the artillery to make a GIF out of any opponent.
UFC Fight Night 30 kicks off on Fox Sports 2 at 3 p.m. ET this Saturday. The main card features six bouts capped off by the middleweight clash between Lyoto Machida and Mark Munoz.
Munoz, ranked No. 5 in the division, welcomes Machida to middleweight. …
UFC Fight Night 30 kicks off on Fox Sports 2 at 3 p.m. ET this Saturday. The main card features six bouts capped off by the middleweight clash between Lyoto Machida and Mark Munoz.
Munoz, ranked No. 5 in the division, welcomes Machida to middleweight. Both fighters looked outstanding at the weigh-ins, and this looks to be a quality main event in Manchester.
Bleacher Report will have full play-by-play for the evening’s main event when it gets underway.
Even though Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida could easily dominate Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz on the ground, we can’t forget about Machida’s advanced striking ability. Think back to the way Machida finished Rashad Evans, Randy Couture and Ryan Bader. He definitely has the striking prowess to land something explosive on Munoz.