UFC Fight Night 30 Preview

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Flyweights

John Lineker (22-6, 3-1 UFC) vs. Phil Harris (22-10, 1-1 UFC)

The Matchup: In just four UFC appearances, Lineker has already twice failed to make weight. If he keeps progressing as he has, scale issues might be the only thing holding the Brazilian back in the 125-pound division. After falling to Louis Gaudinot via submission in his Octagon debut, “Hands of Stone” has dispatched Yasuhiro Urushitani, Azamat Gashimov and Jose Maria Tome in impressive fashion. While Lineker is normally the aggressor in his fights, he also showcased his resilience and durability after Tome staggered him with a spinning back fist in the opening round of their UFC 163 tussle.

Harris, meanwhile, has a different approach. A former featherweight, the Englishman relies on strength and his submission game to thrive, although he sometimes surrenders advantages on the canvas. As a judo black belt, Harris can also shut down his foes in the clinch. Harris captured his first UFC victory over Ulysses Gomez in February in a bout in which “Useless” was largely too content to land leg kicks on the outside.

The Phil “Billy” can expect another game plan from Lineker. The former Jungle Fight champion sets a furious pace on the feet and will swarm to finish when he senses an opponent is hurt. Lineker’s ability to attack the head and body with powerful punches and kicks will test the resilience of Harris early. While he does not often look to go to the floor, Lineker also has punishing ground-and-pound from above. An all-out slugfest will lead to near-certain disaster for Harris. Instead, he must look to mix in his strikes with clinches and takedowns in hopes of tiring his foe. Surviving a couple of Lineker’s trademark barrages will also go a long way toward draining the Brazilian’s gas tank.

The Pick: Harris’ best chance is to hope Lineker wears himself out on the attack. That could provide him with the opportunity to secure a submission in the second half of the bout. He will not be able to hold up under his opponent’s heavy firepower, however. Lineker wins by TKO in round one or two.

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