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UFC Fight Night 56: Ian McCall vs. John Lineker Flyweight Clash Has FOTN Potential

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By @RickLaFitte

Ian McCall lands kick on Brad Pickett during UFC Fight Night 46 flyweight tilt

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The next title challenger for dominant UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will likely be determined this weekend in Brazil at Fight Night 56. Ian McCall will do battle with the heavy-handed John Lineker in a co-main event that is a definite Fight of the Night candidate. Both men are coming off impressive victories and are riding momentum into what shapes up as a likely title eliminator in Uberlandia.

“Uncle Creepy” has already tested himself against many of the division’s best, including a pair of clashes against “Mighty Mouse.” McCall fought to a majority draw with Johnson in their first battle and sustained a decision loss in their second encounter. The No. 3-ranked contender would love nothing more than a trilogy fight against the champ and believes he has what it takes to emerge victorious against the No. 6-ranked Lineker.

McCall bested Brad Pickett via unanimous decision in his last appearance at Fight Night 46 in Ireland. He was able to avoid the veteran’s formidable punching power throughout much of that clash and put on a clinic in the striking and wrestling departments. He’ll likely look to employ a similar tactical approach against the dangerous Lineker and rely on his speed and solid all-around skill set.

After going winless in his first three Octagon appearances, McCall has evened his ledger by recording back-to-back wins over Iliarde Santos and Pickett.

“Hands of Stone” is one of the few flyweight competitors who possesses true one-punch knockout power. Lineker is coming off a destructive third-round finish of Alptekin Ozkilic at Fight Night 45. That highly-entertaining slugfest in Atlantic City produced a Fight of the Night bonus. While his struggles with weight have been well-documented, Lineker managed to hit the 125-pound limit on the first try his last time out. It was an encouraging sight after the 24-year-old Brazilian missed weight on three prior occasions.

Lineker will enjoy a home-turf advantage in facing his biggest test to date. He has produced 12 knockouts in his 24 career victories, and has also shown that he can take a punch. Lineker has gone 5-2 in his UFC tenure, but previously faltered in his most high-profile assignment against Ali Bagautinov at UFC 169. If he’s able to take his career to the next level by getting past the talented McCall, a title opportunity should be on deck.

This is the type of matchup that will hopefully get more fans enthused about what the flyweight division has to offer. Both McCall and Lineker are always up for a good battle, and they’re likely to produce a crowd-pleasing contest this weekend. With No. 1 contender John Dodson likely out until at least mid-2015 recovering from a torn ACL, this weekend’s winner should emerge as Johnson’s next challenge.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports

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