John Lineker is 16-1 in his past 17 outings. | Photo: Gleidson Venga/Sherdog.com
Flyweights
John Lineker (22-6, 3-1 UFC) vs. Phil Harris (22-10, 1-1 UFC)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.
Last Fights » The Prelims