One of the hardest things for MMA athletes to conquer in the lead-up to a fight is staying on track to make weight. Having the size advantage is king, so we bear witness to some big guys and gals cutting huge amounts in a very short period of time. One such fighter is the UFC’s newest bantamweight competitor, John Lineker.
A habitual line-crosser, Lineker missed weight several times when he was on the flyweight roster, resulting in the corporate brass forcing his move up to the 135 pound division. If it weren’t for this continual problem with his weight, he would have received the next shot at current flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson’s belt after his last win (over Ian McCall), but a 40 pound cut was taking its toll on his body.
Lineker told MMA Fighting that moving to bantamweight will still present a hefty challenge for him, offering this comment,
“I will have to cut 30 pounds to fight at 135. I used to cut 40 to fight at flyweight,” Lineker told MMAFighting.com. “Bantamweight is my original weight class. I only cut down to 125 for the opportunity to fight in the UFC. The division was new in the UFC and they were looking for fighters. I had a good record, so they signed me.”
He went on to say that he would have preferred moving up a long time ago, but his manager advised him to stay at FLW. When questioned about Johnson’s recent comments that he should have received a pink slip when he missed weight this last time, he surmised that “Mighty Mouse” feared a fight with him.
“That didn’t bother me because he’s not the boss,” Lineker said. “I’m sure he was afraid to fight me. He later said that I would be a tough opponent for him. I believe he was afraid to fight me.”
John is currently rehabbing an injured foot, but expects to be back in the Octagon sometime in June or July.
About the author
