After Dominick Cruz Withdrawal, Jimmie Rivera Now Faces John Lineker at UFC 219

Jimmie Rivera has a new opponent at UFC 219, as the bantamweight contender will square off against John Lineker in Las Vegas on Dec. 30.

Lineker replaces former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, who had to pull out of the fight after suffering a broken arm. The promotion confirmed the new pairing on Tuesday. UFC 219 takes place at T-Mobile Arena and will see Cristiane Justino defend her featherweight crown against Holly Holm.

Lineker has been victorious in seven of his last eight Octagon appearances, including a three-round verdict over Marlon Vera in his last outing at UFC Fight Night 119 on Oct. 28. Lineker’s only defeat during that time was a decision loss to current 135-pound champ T.J. Dillashaw.

Rivera has won 20 consecutive fights since 2009. He is 5-0 in the UFC and owns signature triumphs over Thomas Almeida and Urijah Faber.