Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw staked his claim for another title shot with a dominant decision win over John Lineker tonight at UFC 207 in Las Vegas.
Round One:
Dillashaw attempting a head kick early in the round, but Lineker ducks under and attempts a takedown that doesn’t work out.
Head kick from Dillashaw and that one connects, but Lineker takes it and catches the limb to execute a takedown. Dillashaw right back up though.
Lineker with a head kick that misses. Big uppercut from Dillashaw and a kick. They reset and then Dillashaw perfectly times a takedown to put Lineker on his back.
Dillashaw in half guard with over half the round remaining. A few ground and pound strikes for Dillashaw and then recenters himself to keep Lineker from scrambling to his feet.
A few more hammerfists from Dillashaw and then Lineker does manage to find a way back upright.
Body kick for Dillashaw. Now a nice right hand and is out of range before Lineker can land a counter. Another kick for the former champion.
Body kick and a couple of leg kicks for Dillashaw. Now an attempt upstairs. Couple of big left hands finally get through for Lineker and he’s happy with that, motioning for the crowd to cheer afterwards – and they respond to that. Both fighters looking to trade as the round comes to a close.
Round Two:
Lineker wades in with a big body shot to start the second round. Dillashaw with a terrific takedown. There’s a scramble and Dillashaw momentarily takes Lineker’s back, but doesn’t secure the position and Lineker gets to his feet.
Exchange of strikes in close. High kick attempt from Dillashaw then a solid connection to the body. Swift takedown again from Dillashaw – his execution has been perfect with those so far tonight.
Dillashaw working from side control with over three minutes to go in the round. Dillashaw with a few cuffing shots to the head as he stays tight to his opponent.
Lineker postures up for a moment, but Dillashaw pushes him back down and lands a few elbows. He postures up and lands a few more blows. Lineker tries for a kneebar, but that doesn’t pay off and allows Dillashaw to move to full mount.
However, Lineker quickly gets back to half guard. Dillashaw comfortable working from there though and lands some more solid elbow strikes. Nice work from the former champ as he continues to work on dropping down elbows. A few punches also land for good measure as the round comes to a conclusion.
Round Three:
Front kick to the midsection from Dillashaw and almost eats a punch in return. Dillashaw with a few feints then a kick to the body. He tries one upstairs, but it’s blocked.
Two hooks from Dillashaw and then a takedown off them. Lineker back up, but gets caught with a hook that sends him back into the cage.
Lineker attempts to come forward, but Dillashaw tags him with a jab to keep him at bay.
Dillashaw just outclassing Lineker here and lands another takedown. Lineker works to his knees as Dillashaw lands strikes, then stands.
Dillashaw stays latched to Lineker’s back and lands hard knees to the back of his thighs and then has him down again. Dillashaw getting creative now as rolls for a calf slicer submission, but Lineker hangs tough and then they get back up.
Lineker going for broke now as he starts to land some heavy leather to Dillashaw’s body. He continues to work that last-minute strategy until the end of the round.
Decision:
No doubt about the winner here, with Dillashaw showing extremely well-rounded skills en-route to a unanimous decision victory (30-26 x3).
