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Pivotal John Lineker-Ian McCall Flyweight Clash Back On For UFC 183

By @RickLaFitte

John Lineker poses for photo during UFC Fight Night 56 Ultimate Media Day

Getty Images

After seeing their proposed co-main event matchup at Fight Night 56 fail to materialize due to illness, John Lineker and Ian McCall have had their pivotal flyweight clash rebooked for UFC 183. The Jan. 31 showdown looms as a possible title eliminator between two of the best fighters that the 125-pound division has to offer.

Their original bout, which was slated for Nov. 8 in Brazil, was scuttled when “Uncle Creepy” came down with a viral infection after the weigh-ins had taken place. Lineker had been hoping the organization would grant him a title shot against champion Demetrious Johnson in the wake of the postponement, but instead officials opted to revisit what shapes up as a solid contest.

The no. 7-ranked Lineker has lived up to his “Hands of Stone” moniker by registering 12 knockouts in his 24 career wins. He’s compiled a 5-2 UFC record and is coming off a knockout of Alptekin Ozkilic at Fight Night 45. That serious slugfest produced the Fight of the Night in Atlantic City and marked Lineker’s fourth Octagon finish.

An ongoing storyline when it comes to the 24-year-old Brazilian is his battle to make weight. Lineker maintains that getting to the 125-pound limit isn’t an issue, yet he continues to flirt with danger when it comes to the scale. Lineker has missed weight for three prior UFC fights, and needed a second attempt to hit the target in Uberlandia for the McCall matchup.

The no. 3-ranked McCall is a crafty veteran who has his sights set on a possible third fight with the champion. He’s fought to a draw and lost a unanimous decision to “Mighty Mouse” in their previous encounters. The 30-year-old veteran is coming off a solid performance at Fight Night 46 in Ireland, when he produced a unanimous decision victory over Brad Pickett. He’s recorded back-to-back wins after going winless in his first three Octagon appearances.

McCall has faced elite competition during his 18-fight career, owning notable wins over Jussier Formiga and Dustin Ortiz and having also faced Joseph Benavidez and Dominick Cruz. He’s never been knocked out, but his chin will definitely be put to the test against the heavy-handed Lineker.

This is an excellent addition to a highly anticipated event that is headlined by the middleweight clash between returning UFC stars Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz. Lineker and McCall should produce an exciting contest in what shapes up as a very meaningful flyweight affair in Las Vegas.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports

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