John Lineker has 15 wins in his past 16 bouts. | File Photo: Sherdog.com
Flyweights
John Lineker (21-6, 2-1 UFC) vs. Jose Maria Tome (33-3, 0-0 UFC)
Tome has compiled a gaudy record on the Brazilian circuit and has not tasted defeat since July 2008. The Renovacao Fight Team product is a finisher, earning 28 of his 33 victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. While much of the competition Tome has faced has not been especially stellar, he is a well-rounded, aggressive flyweight who has proven himself to be equally capable winning with accurate striking or solid top-control grappling.
Much like Lineker, Tome swarms his adversaries with a purpose, but he does have a tendency to keep his hands low. Lineker sets a furious pace on the feet, attacking with powerful hooks and uppercuts, and few in the division work the body -- both with punches and kicks -- as well as he does.
In a bout where wild exchanges on the feet figure to come early and often, Tome might want to consider switching gears and taking his opponent to the mat, where he is adept at controlling and advancing position while landing ground-and-pound. Lineker, who has three submission losses in his career, has not yet attempted to take a fight to the ground in the UFC. His ability to sprawl and keep the fight upright is paramount to his success.
The Pick: Despite Tome’s versatile skill set, it seems most likely that this will evolve into a firefight, and it is tough to pick against Lineker in such a situation. He wins by TKO in round two.
Last Fights » The Prelims