Just one month removed from his octagon return, John Lineker's frustration with the UFC has seemingly reached a boiling point.
Though an exciting fighter that's consistently been highly ranked, Lineker has fought just three times since December 2016. Befuddled by his own inactivity, Lineker took his disappointment to Twitter:
My last opponent fought 4 times in a year. He already has another fight! Sean likes him! I have fought only 4 times since 2016! I need to fight! If you dont like me or my style just let me go!!! @MMAjunkie @seanshelby @danawhite @Alexdavismma @ufc @MMAFighting @sherdogdotcom
— John Lineker (@johnlineker) May 29, 2019
Cory Sanhagen, Lineker's last opponent, is now set to fight four times in just one year. Considering that, Lineker's reaction is understandable and in a translated interview with MMA Junkie, Lineker further explained his viewpoint. “I’ve fought four times since 2016,” he said. “I have five kids. I need to pay my bills. I cannot survive like this.
“I don’t know if it’s something personal against me. If it is, just tell me and let me go, because I have to fight. I have to move on. It’s my career. It’s my life. I can’t be stuck this way." While the tweet itself appeared drastic, Lineker's request is actually rather simple. “Let me fight once every four months. Let me fight three times a year. I think that’s only fair. I’ve always fought in the ring, but now I find myself in a fight outside the ring.
"I’m fighting for my career. I’m fighting for my legacy. I’m fighting for my life. I can’t wait. It has to be now. I need to change the situation. I need to fight.”
Lineker's fight with Sandhagen ended in a debated split decision victory for the American, halting Lineker's recent two fight win streak.
For MMA Junkie's full interview with Lineker and his manager, Alex Davis, click here.
