Lineker out of UFC 219 bout with Rivera

John Lineker (30-8) has been removed from his bantamweight fight against Jimmie Rivera (21-1) at UFC 219 due to a tooth infection, sources told MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani.

Lineker will require emergency surgery for his ailment and should be cleared to return to training in three weeks. He confirmed the removal via a statement to MMA Junkie on Sunday.

I am really sad to have to withdraw from my fight with Rivera. I felt a little pain in the beginning of the week, went to the dentist and got treated, but (the pain) just kept getting worse. I came to Las Vegas early and tried to stay in the fight, but it was simply impossible.

I would like to apologize to Rivera. I know how much it sucks when this happens. I want to apologize to Sean Shelby and the UFC. I begged them for the fight, and they agreed, and now I feel horrible to have to withdraw. And I need to apologize to the fans.

I know that this would have been a great fight and everyone was looking forward to it. Hopefully Rivera and the UFC will agree to reschedule as soon as I can be ready to fight again.

The UFC is searching for a replacement for Lineker, who was already replacing former bantamweight champ, Dominick Cruz. "The Dominator" initially pulled out of the fight due to a broken arm. There is no word if Rivera will remain on the card. Marlon Moraes, the UFC's fifth-ranked bantamweight, has already offered to replace Lineker in what would be his third fight in 49 days.

The news was not welcomed by Rivera, who told MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn that he and his wife weren't able to celebrate Christmas with their families because of preparation for the fight. Rivera is undefeated in the UFC and currently ranks fourth in the division, most recently defeating Thomas Almeida in July.