By Mike Bohn and John Morgan | July 3, 2019 1:05 am

Bantamweight contender John Lineker has been released from his UFC contract.

After pleading for a fight, Lineker (31-9 MMA, 12-4 UFC) was given a co-main event spot against Rob Font at UFC on ESPN+ 12 this past month. He withdrew from the fight just days out, though, after allegedly suffering a facial laceration during his weight cut.

That withdrawal seemingly didn’t put the Brazilian in the UFC’s good graces, because just weeks later he is no longer with the company, MMA Junkie confirmed with a person close to the situation.

Lineker, 29, made his octagon debut in May 2012. He became a contender in the flyweight division, but after several weight misses was forced up to 135 pounds, where he put together a strong record, as well.

In his most recent fight at UFC on ESPN+ 8 in April, Lineker suffered a split decision loss to Cory Sandhagen.

Lineker’s 12 knockdowns landed in UFC competition are the most in company history for a fighter at bantamweight and lighter.

Lineker’s team declined comment on his UFC release when contacted by MMA Junkie.

For more on upcoming UFC events, check out the MMA Schedule.