A promising bantamweight scrap has been added to October’s UFC Sao Paulo. John Lineker will face off against Marlon Vera on the card, according to an original report by Combate later confirmed by MMA Fighting. The card’s main event features the return of Lyoto Machida, taking on fellow middleweight Derek Brunson.
Lineker (29–8) had been on something of a tear prior to coming up against former bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 207 last December. Prior to dropping a unanimous decision in that bout, he had won six straight — but weight issues saw him bounced from the flyweight ranks up to bantamweight, where he managed to miss weight again versus John Dodson last October.
That being said, Lineker remains a serious threat in the 135lb division.
Marlon Vera (10–3–1) came into the public eye after spoiling Brad Pickett’s retirement party in London earlier this year. He’s currently on a three fight winning streak, and most recently submitted Brian “Boom” Kelleher at UFC on Fox 25. Lineker represents a big step up for Vera, who is 4-2 overall in the UFC.
UFC Fight Night 119, as UFC Sao Paulo is officially known, takes place October 27 at the Ginásio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the main event of Machida vs. Brunson, Demian Maia vs. Colby Covington will feature on the card.
