UFC bantamweight John Lineker has now won five in a row.
And he looked like an absolute wrecking ball in the process.
Lineker (28-7) delivered a stunning first-round knockout of Michael McDonald (17-4) at UFC Fight Night on Wednesday, putting an end to McDonald's night with a blistering left hook at the 2:43 mark. The 135-pound bout headlined the televised event, which took place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A former flyweight who consistently had trouble making weight, Lineker has proven to be one of the hardest hitters in his new division. Since moving up in weight, he is 3-0, with one knockout, but his power has been visible in all three fights. Saturday marked the 13th knockout victory of his career.
Lineker dropped McDonald several times in the opening round, eventually forcing referee Herb Dean to step in due to the left hook.
The Brazilian passionately called out current bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (22-1) in his postfight interview.
"Dominick Cruz, I'm coming for you, baby!" Lineker yelled.
McDonald fought back admirably in the face of Lineker's power, but he simply could not land anything that would back up his opponent. After Lineker dropped McDonald with a right cross early on, McDonald fired back and landed two good right hands to Lineker's chin.
Lineker responded with heavy shots to the body, though, and continued to walk McDonald backward to the fence. McDonald crumpled under the left hook at the 2:43 mark and took a few more shots to the side of the head before the fight was stopped.
ESPN.com ranked Lineker the No. 10 bantamweight in the world prior to Wednesday's victory. Since moving to 135 pounds, he has defeated Francisco Rivera, Rob Font and McDonald.
Ferguson survives early scare, chokes out Vannata
Lightweight contender Tony Ferguson (21-3) choked out UFC newcomer and late replacement Landon Vannata (8-1) at 2:22 of the second round. But it was not easy.
Ferguson was supposed to fight Michael Chiesa in a five-round bout in the headliner of UFC Fight Night, but he was downgraded to the co-main event after Chiesa was forced out with a back injury. Vannata, who fights out of Jackson-Wink MMA, agreed to step in on short notice.
Despite being a massive betting underdog, Vannata hurt Ferguson with a spinning backfist in the opening round and then dropped him moments later with a right head kick. Ferguson went spilling across the cage, stumbling over in wild scrambles as he attempted to regain his composure. He eventually tied Vannata up from off his back and even finished the round in an arm bar attempt.
Vannata looked a little gassed to open the second round. Ferguson started to take over with the jab and landed a brilliant Superman punch as his back was on the fence. As Vannata ducked a punch moments later, Ferguson put him in a standing guillotine and eventually transitioned to a D'Arce.
It was Ferguson's 10th submission victory overall and eighth consecutive win.
When asked who he wants to fight next, Ferguson said, "Whoever signs on the bottom line."
ESPN.com ranked Ferguson the No. 4 lightweight coming in.
