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Dodson, Lineker
UFC Portland Poster. Image via F4W

Two former Flyweight contenders, John Dodson and John Lineker will meet this weekend at UFC Fight Night 96 as they look to prove themselves as real title challengers in the 135 division.

Dodson (18-7) and Lineker (28-7) match-up in the main event in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, Oct 1. Both fighters have moved up in weight, although each with very different reasoning behind the switch.

Dodson’s move up from the Flyweight division was prompted after two unsuccessful title challenges against champion Demetrious Johnson, these being his only two losses in the UFC.

Despite giving up a considerable amount of size to the majority of fighters in the Bantamweight division, this is not unfamiliar territory for Dodson who began his UFC journey at 135lbs when he won TUF 14. He beat – former 135 champion – T.J. Dillashaw in the final to become the first ever Bantamweight Ultimate Fighter winner.

Earlier this year, “The Magician” marked his return to the Bantamweight division with success, finishing Manny Gamburyan in just 37 seconds. Dodson; who is currently ranked 10th, is looking to make his way up the rankings and knows a win over third ranked Lineker will promote his title contention.

In an interview with the Daily Star, Dodson claimed: “The opportunity is there for me to move up the rankings and, believe me; I aim to make the most of this chance against Lineker.

“I always want the title and a win over John Lineker will put me into contention against anybody who is willing to fight.”

Meanwhile, John “Hands Of Stone” Lineker made the move up to 135 after missing weight on numerous occasions. Lineker failed to make the 125lb cut in four of his seven UFC fights as a Flyweight. As a result he was ordered up a weight class, but it has proved to be a fruitful move, now 3-0 since the jump up to 135. He is also riding a five fight win streak with his most recent win being a KO victory over former title challenger Michael McDonald.

This match-up at UFC Portland contains two of the hottest prospects in the Bantamweight division, both having demonstrated their finishing ability.

Neither man has lost via KO/TKO in their professional career but at the opposite end of the scale they have power in abundance. Both fighters have knocked out five of their last nine opponents, so it’s sure to be a hard hitting showcase with big implications.

A win for No. 3 ranked Lineker could position him for a title eliminator fight, whereas Dodson will look to gatecrash the top five with a big victory.