Expectations were high for a thrilling bout between knockout artists John Dodson and John Lineker. Unfortunately, the UFC Fight Night 96 main event in Portland, Oregon was marred by Lineker once again failing to make weight. By weighing in at 136.5, Lineker lost 20% of his purse to Dodson, and was thus ineligible for any post-fight bonuses. With that aside, fireworks were expected, and both men delivered.
Early checked kick thrown by Dodson to start things off. Lineker missed a body kick. Hard leg kick by Lineker connected. Outside leg kick by Dodson, and then another one. Slow paced fight in the first 90 seconds. Lineker missed with a right and Dodson countered with a body kick. Left hook by Lineker came up short and Dodson countered effectively again. Good right by Lineker got through Dodson's guard. Head kick by Dodson is caught by Lineker, but not before it landed flush on his dome. Body kick was caught and then Dodson tossed him to the mat. Dodson used his footwork to good effect in the 1st round. Flying knee by Lineker and a flurry to end the frame.
Body kick and another one by Lineker. He switched stances momentarily. Body-head combo missed by the Brazilian. Head kick blocked by Lineker. Swinging right hand was way off by Lineker. Dodson connected on a counter and got on his bike to reset. Fantastic left by Dodson jarred Lineker's head back. Lineker was seemingly frustrated and he tried to goad Dodson into exchanging with him. John McCarthy gave them both a talking to. Lineker scored with a couple of punches before getting kneed in the groin. John writhed in pain on the mat. Lineker returned to fighting after 2 minutes. Dodson ate an uppercut. Glancing left hook by Lineker. They both started swinging. Lineker liked it. Dodson backed out of two Lineker punches. Body kick by Dodson. Short leg kick by Dodson. Leg kick in response by Lineker. Dodson moved forward and scored with an uppercut. Quick leg kick by Lineker. Left hook by Lineker, who slowly began to find his range.
Straight right down the pike by Lineker to start the 3rd. Dodson with a kicking combination. Leg kick by Lineker was checked. Lineker switched stances, whiffed on a punch, and Dodson evaded. Bonkers swinging ensued and Dodson took those shots well. Lineker started to dig to the body, which he hadn't really done in rounds 1-2. Big shots by both men in the pocket. Good body kick by Dodson but he got countered with a punch straight after. Body-head combo by Lineker. Dodson slipped avoiding a right hand by Lineker. Head kick by Lineker. Dodson tagged by a Lineker right hand. Beautiful head kick by Dodson and somehow he just ate it like he didn't actually land it. Combo by Lineker and then Dodson backs away. Dodson countered him well. Right hand by Lineker and then he grabbed a hold of his neck, then threw a knee on the exit. Body shot by Lineker whiffed and Dodson countered with a left to end the 3rd.
Lineker got hit in the groin by a kick to start the 4th, but Lineker was fine. Good combination by Dodson tagged Lineker. The quicker punches got through. Counter left hand by Dodson. Great left hand by Dodson. Another surging left by Dodson. Left hook by Lineker. Looping hook by Lineker is ducked under by Dodson. It's Dodson who attempted a takedown and Lineker stuffed it. Body shot by a chasing Lineker. Dodson stayed disciplined. Madness in the clinch with many punches thrown. Big body shots by Lineker. Dodson retreating. Lineker let his hands go and Dodson took those shots. Big head kick by Dodson. Leg kick by Dodson. Lineker swelling under his right eye.
Quick front kick to the body by Lineker. Nice straight left by Dodson. Superman punch by Dodson. Lineker struggling to get Dodson in his grasp. Lineker throws a frustrated hook. Body shot by Lineker but a counter right hand by Dodson. It's a Dodson 5th round thus far as Lineker is missing badly. Dodson moving more effectively than Lineker. The Brazilian emptying the tank and throwing big punches. Left hook lands for Lineker. Big right hand by Dodson staggered Lineker. Dodson got the takedown in the scramble and had Lineker's back. Lineker carried Dodson like a backpack and then Dodson let go. Big head kick by Dodson. Knee by Dodson as Lineker pushed forward one last time with massive hooks. Great fight as the final horn sounded.
Official result: John Lineker def. John Dodson by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)