Split Decision Sends John Lineker Past John Dodson in UFC Fight Night 96 Main Event

John Lineker never quit pursuing his prey. The former Jungle Fight champion extended his winning streak to six fights and improved his position in the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight pecking order with a split decision over John Dodson in the UFC Fight Night 96 “Lineker vs. Dodson” headliner on Saturday at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Judges Sal D’Amato and Glenn Trowbridge saw it 48-47 for Lineker, while Marcos Rosales cast a dissenting 48-47 nod in Dodson’s direction.Both men stayed true to their roots. Dodson (18-8, 7-3 UFC) utilized circular movement and quick hands, forcing the notoriously powerful Brazilian to chase him around the cage for the better part of five rounds. Lineker obliged and encountered stiff resistance whenever he managed to corner “The Magician.” Dodson clipped him with several head kicks and sweeping left hooks, but his output left something to be desired. The same could not be said for Lineker (29-7, 10-2 UFC), who cut loose with punches to the body and head for the full 25 minutes. Dodson did some of his best work in the fifth round, where he ripped a series of left hooks into the tiring Lineker’s head, executed a takedown and advanced to the back. He landed another head kick for good measure in the closing seconds, though it came in a losing effort. Related » UFC Portland Round-by-Round Scoring Oliveira Stops Compromised Brooks Alex Oliveira disposed of former Bellator MMA champion …

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