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Report: Lineker vs. Kelleher booked for UFC 224

Jason Silva / USA TODAY Sports

A battle of bantamweight bangers is headed to Rio de Janeiro.

John Lineker will face Brian Kelleher at UFC 224 on May 12 at Jeunesse Arena, sources confirmed to MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz following a Monday report from Brazil's Combate.

The 27-year-old Lineker fought just once in 2017, getting back in the win column with a unanimous decision over Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night 119 in October. The Brazilian had been slated to face Jimmie Rivera two months later at UFC 219, but had to withdraw from the tilt just days prior due to a tooth infection. He heads to Rio with five victories in six fights since moving up from flyweight in September 2015.

Kelleher has won two straight and three of four in the Octagon, and sees his wish to tangle with Lineker granted mere weeks after taking a one-sided verdict over Renan Barao at UFC on FOX 28.

In the main event, Amanda Nunes defends her bantamweight crown against Raquel Pennington.

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