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Marc RaimondiESPN
The UFC has surprisingly parted ways with a popular bantamweight contender.
John Lineker was released by the promotion this week, ESPN confirmed with his manager Alex Davis on Wednesday. MMA Junkie was the first to report the news.
The decision comes on the heels of Lineker withdrawing from UFC Greenville two weeks ago due to a cut he sustained just two days before the card. Lineker was scheduled to be in the co-main event against Rob Font.
Lineker (31-9) was on a two-fight winning streak and had won eight of nine before losing to Cory Sandhagen by split decision at UFC Fort Lauderdale in April.
The Brazilian, known for exciting fights and big knockout power, was ranked No. 10 in the UFC’s official bantamweight contender top 15.
Lineker, 29, had been in the UFC for seven years with a 12-4 record in the organization.