Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz was set to return to action after a two-plus year layoff, but has now been pulled from an upcoming bout against John Lineker at UFC 233. Tarso Doria of MMA Brasil first reported the news, but there is no reason given yet as to why Cruz may be off the card or how long the fighter is expected to be out of action for.
The report also states that the UFC wants former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt to fight Lineker as a replacement, which would mark Garbrandt’s first bout since UFC 227.
Lineker (31-8-0) enters the contest on the strength of a two fight winning streak, having defeated the duo of Brian Kelleher and Marlon Vera. Lineker hasn’t suffered a defeat in nearly two years, with that last loss coming to UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw via unanimous decision at UFC 207. Lineker has suffered eight losses as a professional MMA fighter, with five of those coming by way of decision.
UFC 233 takes place on Saturday, January 26 from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California with no main event made official at this time. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
