Casual UFC fans might not recognize the names of John Lineker – 25-7, 12 KOs, 3 SUBs – and Francisco Rivera – 11-4, 8 KOs – but many hardcore enthusiasts are touting their UFC 191 matchup as an early darkhorse candidate for Fight of the Night. These are two high-level strikers that throw heavy heat – what more do you need?
CURRENT ODDS
While our online UFC 191 odds opened this fight as a pick’em, heavy betting on Lineker has pushed “Hands of Stone” ahead as the favorite, with a -120 money line. Rivera is a slight underdog with an EVEN money line. The total for this fight is set at 2.5 rounds, with both the over and under at -110. Don’t forget to check in on fight night for the latest prop bets, which includes plays such as what round the fight will end in.
BOMBS AWAY
Lineker will finally make his return to bantamweight after missing weight in four of his eight flyweight bouts. Although he was close to a title fight against Demetrious Johnson, the failed weight cuts forced the UFC’s hand in the matter.
Still, Lineker has been impressive, going 6-1 in his past seven fights. Most recently, he bested Ian McCall at UFC 183 this past January. “Hands of Stone” carries fearsome power at lighter weight, with 12 KOs in his 25 wins.
From 2011-2013, Rivera reeled off a six-fight unbeaten streak, highlighted with wins over guys like George Roop, Edwin Figueroa and Alex Soto. However, his foray into the upper echelon of the division failed with back-to-back losses against Takeya Mizugaki and Urijah Faber. He bounced back with a spectacular 21-second knockout win over Alex Caceres this past June.
Although this is a preliminary bout, the stakes are significant. Lineker is currently ranked No. 8 in the flyweight division, while Rivera is the UFC’s No. 12 bantamweight. The winner would have a great argument to face a top-10 opponent in their next outing.
FIGHT PREDICTION AND ANALYSIS
Lineker is one an old school sprawl-and-brawler, recalling the style of the infamous Chuck Liddell. He boasts legit power in both hands, a granite chin and excels in throwing head-body combinations at long range. Few men in the division thrive better in brutal fistfights.
Rivera is a very big bantamweight with sledgehammer power in all of his strikes. He’s got great snap to his jab, crisp low kicks and is comfortable exchanging in the pocket. While he’s limited as a wrestler, he possesses outstanding takedown defense.
This is a tough fight to pick, but I think Rivera is a solid value as the underdog. He’s the bigger fighter and just as durable as Lineker. Both men are bombers, so expect to see a few wild exchanges – making for a very unpredictable fight.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker to get the latest odds for John Lineker vs. Francisco Rivera, which takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. FOX Sports 1 will televise the prelims starting 8 p.m. ET, with the main card airing on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET. Bookmaker’s MMA odds includes money lines, totals, prop bets and more.
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