UFC Fight Night 96: Bantamweight Contenders Battle, Former Champion Falls

By Dana Becker

Two fighters with several knockouts to their names went the distance Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 96 in the main event, as John Lineker scored a split decision over John Dodson. The card took place from the Moda Center in Portland and aired live on FOX Sports 1.

Lineker picked up his sixth consecutive victory, topping the former Ultimate Fighter winner and UFC flyweight title contender. He did miss weight, though, coming in a half-pound over the bantamweight limit.

In the co-main event, Alex Oliveira stopped Will Brooks in the the third round via strikes. Oliveira, who missed weight himself by 5.5 pounds, taunted Brooks – a former Bellator champion – after the finish. The two needed to be separated by officials.

Zak Ottow and Brandon Moreno, newcomers to the promotion, earned wins over Josh Burkman and Louis Smolka. Highlights from Moreno's win can be viewed in the video above.

Earning bonuses were Nate Marquardt, Moreno, Luis Henrique da Silva and Curtis Blaydes. The attendance for announced at 6,240 for a live gate total of $501,035.

*John Lineker def. John Dodson via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

*Alex Oliveira def. Will Brooks via TKO (strikes) at 3:30 of Round 3

*Zak Ottow def. Josh Burkman via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

*Brandon Moreno def. Louis Smolka via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:23 of Round 1

*Luis Henrique da Silva def. Joachim Christensen via submission (strikes) at 4:43 of Round 2

*Andre Fili def. Hacran Dias via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

*Shamil Abdurakhimov def. Walt Harris via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

*Elizeu Zaleksi dos Santos def. Keita Nakamura via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

*Nate Marquardt def. Tamdan McCrory via KO (head-kick) at 4:44 of Round 2

*Ion Cutelaba def. Jonathan Wilson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

*Curtis Blaydes def. Cody East via TKO (strikes) at 2:02 of Round 2

*Ketlen Vieira def. Kelly Faszholz via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

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