Lineker faces Dillashaw at UFC 207. (Photo: Getty Images)
Number 2 in the bantamweight rankings, John Lineker returns to the octagon against TJ Dillashaw this Friday (30), at UFC 207, with only one thought: to win and become the next challenger in the category. Undefeated since moving up the division, with four consecutive victories, the Brazilian believes that his next opponent could be the ideal test for an eventual duel against Dominick Cruz, current champion at 61kg.
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“I really believe in God, if he wants me to fight Dillashaw, who has a very similar style to Cruz, it's because he's preparing me for what I'm going to face next. I'm happy to be fighting a former champion, it's going to be a tough fight. Dillashaw is really tough, but I'm happy for the opportunity to face him. God willing, I will achieve another victory and receive the title shot”, he declared, in an interview with the website 'MMA Fighting' (USA).
Coming from victory over John Dodson, last October, Lineker admits that scale problems delayed his path to a title shot. “I was really hoping to be the next challenger after beating Dodson, but I believe the half pound (Lineker was overweight in his last appearance) made the boss decide. But I understand. And it’s good because I’ll be more prepared and stronger when it’s time to fight for the belt.”
Asked about the strategy outlined for the confrontation against Dillashaw, the “Stone Hands”, as he is known, believes he will be able to impose his boxing and force his opponent to play his game.
“I will be able to use my game. Dillashaw has good takedowns, but he attacks more than Dodson, who ran away from the fight. I don't know if Dillashaw will trade with me, but I believe so. I see myself using my boxing with him. I learned a lot from my last fight. I ran after him (Dodson) a lot, and I won't do that anymore. I fixed this detail. I’m going to force him to come, force him to fight me in my game,” he concluded.
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