Filipino-American bantamweight John Dodson’s wish to fight in Manila has been dashed for the time being.
The Magician (19-7) has been called up to main event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s 96 Fight Night card against Brazilian John “Hands of Stone” Lineker (28-7), the promotion announced Saturday. The Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, will host the event that is scheduled for Sunday, October 2 (Philippine time).
Dodson, who recently visited the Philippines for a promotional tour last June, is coming off a 47 destruction of Manny Gamburyan last April in Tampa, Florida. The Ultimate Fighter 14 winner is looking for a decisive victory to secure a crack at UFC World Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz.
His opponent, however, is the ninth-ranked bantamweight in the world. Lineker is currently on a five-fight winning streak, including a decisive knockout victory over Michael McDonald last July.
