John Lineker Wants Title Shot After Next Win
John Lineker is one of the brightest stars in a flyweight division that is truly lacking contenders. Demetrious Johnson currently sits atop the 125-pound weight class and it doesn’t look like there are many men who can threaten his position, let alone take his belt.
However, Lineker may just be that man.
The last time we saw “Hands of Stone”, he secured a TKO victory in a very exciting scrap against Alptekin Ozkilic at UFC Fight Night 45 last July. The victory marked Lineker’s fifth win in his last seven bouts, and also his fourth finish inside the octagon.
Currently ranked No. 6 in the flyweight division, Lineker is set to take on No. 3-ranked Ian McCall at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Manuwa on November 8, 2014 in Brazil. This bout will likely decide who gets the next crack at flyweight gold.
Speaking with MMAFighting.com, Lineker seems confident heading into the fight:
“I believe he’ll fight to win by decision, punching and leaving, exactly like his last fight. But I have a strategy in case he tries to do that boring game. My strategy will work, and I will win this fight.”
There may be some animosity between the two men as McCall subsequently called Lineker a “fat boy”, but it seems as if that is just motivation for “Hands of Stone” to get the finish:
“He called me fat boy [laughs], but I will show him how fast I am. When my hand lands on him, another knockout is coming. I only need to land one hard punch he can feel it. I have the heaviest hands in the flyweight division, so I expect a knockout.”
After this fight, one Lineker believes he will win, he is gunning for a shot at the belt and hopes he will receive one:
“I’ve proved in my fights that I’m ready to fight the champion, and I hope this fight (against McCall) is enough to get me a shot at the title.”
Despite his success in the UFC, there has always been one controversial thing looming over the head of Lineker. That problem is his weight cutting issues, as he has missed weight numerous times in the UFC. However, he promises those issues are in the past:
“Everything is fine. I know my body better now, I know what the issue was with my weight cut. I won’t have any problems anymore, and I want a title fight next.”
Lineker also went on to say that although he was impressed with “Mighty Mouse’s” most recent title defense, it won’t be as easy against him:
“It was a one-man fight, actually. The champion came to prove why he’s the champion. His game plan was excellent, and we couldn’t see more because there was only one guy fighting.”
“When I get in there to fight for the title, it’s going to be a war. I have all the weapons to win this, and I will catch him. That’s what I’m going to do. McCall is only one more step before I get this title. I will use all my weapons and beat him.”
Arguably the most dangerous striker at 125 pounds, “Hands of Stone” has a tough test in front of him in Ian McCall. If he gets past “Uncle Creepy” it will be hard to deny him a title shot. But does he actually have anything to offer Johsnon, or is “Mighty Mouse” simply too good?
