MMA Odds and Ends for Wednesday: John Lineker replaces Dominick Cruz against Jimmie Rivera at UFC 219


MMAFighting broke the news
that John Lineker will now face Jimmie Rivera at UFC 219 on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas.

Lineker (30-8) replaces Dominick Cruz who had to pull out of the matchup with a broken arm. The 27-year-old defeated Marlon Vera by unanimous decision last month at UFC Sao Paulo and has won seven of his last eight fights. Rivera (21-1) hasn’t lost a fight since November 2008 and has won 20-straight fights. The New Jersey native is coming off a unanimous decision win over Thomas Almeida at UFC on FOX 25 in July.

Paige VanZant vs. Jessica-Rose Clark slated for UFC St. Louis

After defeating Bec Rawlings in her UFC debut this past weekend, Jessica-Rose Clark will now face Paige VanZant in a flyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 124 in St. Louis on Jan 14. The news was first reported by MMAFighting.

Clark (8-4, 1 NC) heads into this matchup on a two-fight win streak as she also defeated Carina Damm at Titan FC 45 in September. The 29-year-old has gone the distance in her last right fights. VanZant (7-3) was slated to face Jessica Eye at UFC 216 however an injury forced her off the card. The 23-year-old has lost two of her last three fights, both setbacks coming by submission.

Written by James Lynch

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