Split Decision Sends John Lineker Past John Dodson in UFC Fight Night 96 Main Event

John Lineker never quit pursuing his prey.

The former Jungle Fight champion extended his winning streak to six fights and improved his position in the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight pecking order with a split decision over John Dodson in the UFC Fight Night 96 “Lineker vs. Dodson” headliner on Saturday at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Judges Sal D’Amato and Glenn Trowbridge saw it 48-47 for Lineker, while Marcos Rosales cast a dissenting 48-47 nod in Dodson’s direction.

Both men stayed true to their roots. Dodson (18-8, 7-3 UFC) utilized circular movement and quick hands, forcing the notoriously powerful Brazilian to chase him around the cage for the better part of five…