Video: Without fighting in 2017, Lineker wants 'exciting victory' to get closer to the belt

Lineker wants a chance at the bantamweight belt (Photo: Reproduction/CombatePlay)

In 2016, John Lineker was close to securing a title shot in the bantamweight division, but stopped short TJ Dillashaw, who dominated him for three rounds and earned the chance to fight for the division title. Now, ten months later, the Brazilian returns to the octagon against Marlon Vera No. UFC Sao Paulo, next Saturday (28), with just one goal: to get back into the fight for the top.

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“I see myself very close to a title fight. A very convincing victory over Vera, regardless of whether he is ranked or not, as I say, a victory is a victory. I believe that a very exciting victory will take me close (to the belt) again”, declared Lineker in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, minimizing the fact that the opponent is not in the top 15 of the category ranking.

“He's a tough guy, he's coming off three wins in the UFC, he's looking for his space like everyone else who's starting out. And the fact that he's in the UFC proves that he's not stupid, there are only the best. It's definitely going to be a great fight, he's a good guy, who changes a little on the feet, but if he gets the opportunity he puts him down and finishes, he has a lot of submissions already. I am prepared for any type of situation.

After having four fights in 2016, Lineker is going for his first fight of the year. The time inactive was due to an injury suffered in his last setback, but the fact of returning at home, with the support of the fans, makes it worth the wait to fight again.

“This time that I was stopped was because of my last fight, against TJ Dillashaw, who ended up breaking my jaw in the first round, with the first kick he threw. I had to undergo surgery, I had two plates and eight screws inserted to glue the jaw, so I had to go through this recovery period. But, thank God, this time made it (the return) arrive on time. UFC Sao Paulo, so he combined the useful with the pleasant”, said 'Mãos de Stone', who concluded by revealing that he even challenged other fighters, but did not receive any positive response.

“In fact, several athletes were asked. I don't like saying names, because some people didn't accept this fight with me here in São Paulo, I believe that because of the pressure, the fans are on fire here. Then the Marlon Vera He was the only one who accepted this fight, I even thanked him on social media, at least I will be able to perform at home, in Brazil”, he concluded.

Watch the full interview with John Lineker: