John Lineker vs. John Dodson set to headline UFC Fight Night 96

Esther Lin, MMA FightingTwo former flyweight contenders who have moved up in weight for different reasons are on a collision course that leads to the main event of UFC Fight Night 96 on Oct. 1.

John Dodson (18-7), a longtime top flyweight contender, meets John Lineker (28-7) in the main event of an FS1 show in Portland, Ore. at the Moda Center. Dodson is currently ranked as the No. 9 contender to champion Dominick Cruz, while Lineker is the No. 5 contender.

Dodson, after two losses to flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, moved up to bantamweight, a division he would be giving up significant size to almost everyone. But in his return, he finished Manny Gamburyan on April 16 in just 37…