Geburtstagsgrüße » 30; Lineker +110These two are a rare b

A pair of former flyweights will meet in a bantamweight matchup this weekend, as John Dodson faces John Lineker at UFC Fight Night in Portland, Oregon.Each man has a different reason for moving up in weight.Dodson was in a bit of no mans land at 125 pounds, having lost to the dominant champion Demetrious Johnson twice. Lineker just couldnt consistently make the weight. The Brazilian missed weight four times as a flyweight.Both have enjoyed immediate success at the heavier weight. Dodson is coming off a 47-second knockout over Manny Gamburyan, while Lineker is 3-0 at the weight, including a first-round finish over Michael McDonald.Lets take a closer look at this marquee bantamweight tilt. Dont agree with the pick? Let MMA analyst Brett Okamoto know on Twitter: @bokamotoESPN.Main eventJohn Dodson (18-7) vs. John Lineker (28-7) Bantamweight Odds: Dodson -130; Lineker +110These two are a rare breed in that they are undeniably elite mixed martial artists -- with relatively one-dimensional skill sets.Dodson might be the best athlete fighting out of Jackson-Wink MMA, and yes, that includes Jon Jones. The southpaws entire offense is based around the speed and power of his left hand. If Dodson were to ever say, I could beat this guy with one hand tied behind my back, Id take it literally. Everything comes from his power side, which has proved to be a disadvantage against Demetrious Johnson but good enough against anyone else.Lineker is a heavyweight in a bantamweights frame. He stalks, loads, throws with everything hes got and repeats. Even though hes constantly applying pressure, he often keeps a healthy distance from his opponent, which helps prevent takedowns. You have to shoot through a decent amount of space to try and take him down. And theres usually a point in every Lineker fight where you want to take him down, because hes just walloped you.The key to this matchup is how effectively Lineker can put Dodson on the fence and also keep him there. Dodson will concede the center of the Octagon to opponents, but hes not easy to track down along the cage. Especially for someone like Lineker, who doesnt represent a strong threat in either his takedowns or the clinch. Dodson might fight on the outside, but as long as hes moving in the process, that wont necessarily be the end of the world.Dodson has a heavy left leg kick, which could be effective against someone who sits so much on his punches, but its hard to consistently land those kicks if youre moving backwards. When the fight is in space, theres a lot to like about that kick, but I expect Lineker to limit Dodsons opportunities to throw it by constantly walking him to the edge of the cage.Previous opponents have tried to wear down Dodsons gas tank, which makes a lot of sense. If his speed is the most challenging thing about him, do what you can to slow him down. Lineker isnt that type of fighter, though. Itd be surprising if he comes in and tries to grapple, just to sap Dodsons energy. Like Dodson, Lineker turns things on in spurts. This makes for a tense matchup, where both guys will be loaded up on their preferable weapon, looking to land first. If there is a takedown, it will likely come from Dodson.Neither has ever been knocked out -- but both are known for finishing opponents. So, something has to give. This is also a 25-minute fight.Prediction: Even fans who dont appreciate smaller weight classes shouldnt miss this one. Someone will go down in one of these exchanges. Dodson by TKO, second round. Cheap Custom Soccer Jerseys China . Once again Jordan Cieciwa (@FitCityJordan) and I (@LynchOnSports) go head to head in our picks. Last weekend at UFC Fight Night 32 my #TeamLynch got the best of #TeamJC by a score of 9-6. Let us know which side youre on for UFC 167 use the hashtag #TeamLynch or #TeamJC on Twitter. Cheap Custom Jerseys . Batiste, who briefly signed with the Eskimos in 2006, has spent time with several NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. http://www.soccerjerseyscustom.com/ . Third-seeded Murray had the easiest path to victory on New Years Eve, barely breaking a sweat during his 6-0, 6-0 win over 2,129th-ranked Qatari wildcard recipient Mousa Shanan Zayed. Stitched Custom Soccer Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. Custom Jerseys On Sale .25 million option on reliever Jose Veras.CLEVELAND -- Ryan Raburn came to training camp this spring with something to prove. He wanted to show the Indians that a disastrous 2012 season in Detroit was behind him. He wanted a fresh start, a new home. Hes found it. The versatile Raburn was rewarded Wednesday with a two-year, $4.85 million contract extension that includes a $3 million club option for 2016. "For me, its a great opportunity and a great feeling," Raburn said. "This organization has been unbelievable to me and the team theyre building around here. Im enjoying every day coming to the ballpark. Its been a pleasure and I think there are great things to come with this team. " Released by the Tigers after last season, Raburn has had a major impact in his first year with the Indians, who signed him to a minor league contract in January. Raburn is batting .277 with 13 homers -- third most on the team -- and 38 RBIs in 66 games. Hes made starts in right field (37), left (seven), second base (two) and designated hitter (five), and manager Terry Francona has batted him everywhere but the No. 1 and 2 spot in the order. "Im happy for him," Francona said of the extension. "Im proud for him and Im glad for our team." General manager Chris Antonetti said the Indians approached Raburn before the All-Star break with the idea of the extension. Antonetti said the sides finalized the deal on the morning of Aug. 1, and Raburn went out that day and homered twice in a win over the Chicago White Sox. During the off-season, the Indians identified Raburn as a player who could stabilize their bench. "We always appreciated Ryan playing across the field from us," Antonetti said. "We thought he would be a good fit with the guys we had here. He had a down year last year and thats why he was available. He has fit in seamlessly. His versatility has been a huge asset for us and obviously his production speaks forr itself.ddddddddddddquot; Raburn also has been one of the Indians most clutch players. He enters Wednesdays game batting .462 (12 of 26) with 19 RBIs with runners in scoring position and two outs. Its fitting that Raburn received his new deal while the Tigers were in town. Last season, he was named Detroits starting second baseman before opening day. However, the 32-year-old he battled injuries, hit just .171 in 66 games and spent some time at Triple-A Toledo before the Tigers released him. He was also the target of boos at Comerica Park and the Tigers left him off their post-season roster. Raburn smiled when reminded the Tigers were visiting when he got his new deal. "Its just a good coincidence they are in town," he said. "Im excited to be able to be here for a few more years." Raburn, who was selected by Detroit in the 2001 draft, said he even considered retirement during the off-season, thats how bad things went for him last year. "I dont think anything went right for me," he said. "Im just grateful Cleveland gave me the opportunity." Raburn said he called his parents on Tuesday night to tell them about his new contract, and said having a multiyear deal will not diminish his drive. "Its not like Im not going to play the game as hard," he said. Tigers manager Jim Leyland has always been a big fan of Raburns and was pleased his former player was rewarded. "Im thrilled," Leyland said. "Im so happy for him. Its well deserved. Hes comfortable here. He has a manager hes going to have a great relationship with. I think things are really going to work out for him." Leyland, too, wanted something back from Raburn. "If I dont get a sleeve of golf balls, Im going to be very disappointed," Leyland said. Raburn promised a small gift to his former skipper. "Yeah, Ill give him a short sleeve," he said. ' ' '