'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#4. ONE Championship could see a 'passing of the torch' between the two
Bibiano Fernandes, by the numbers alone, is the most successful and dominant champion in ONE Championship history. His record seven title defenses and near-10-year reign at the top are unprecedented.
He's faced the best of the division,not just in ONE Championship, but also in other organizations. Coming into his fight with Lineker, one could make the argument that the former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion should be the betting favorite.
Trending
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
An argument against that, however, is the fact that Fernandes is already 41 years old and has not fought in two years. MMA is a young man's game. Given the level of fighters Fernandes has had to face over the years, it's surprising that he's still fighting. That's what made him such a legendary ONE Championship world champion.
With that said, Lineker is just 31 years old, a full decade younger than Fernandes. 'Hands of Stone', however, despite being younger, has had more fights than the champion, scoring over 30 wins with 16 knockouts.
He's been active during the champion's absence and might be in the best shape of his life too. We could very well see the passing of the torch come February 11.
ONE Championship CEO and founder Chatri Sityodtong echoed this statement in an interview with South China Morning Post:
“Lineker is a very fun fighter to watch. He used to have difficulty cutting weight, but with our hydration system he feels stronger and has had some explosive performances. This could possibly be a passing of the torch... But at the same time, Bibiano is super fired up. He still has that fire – that’s the most important thing. As long as fighters have their capabilities, health and the fire in the belly … the minute the fire is gone, you’re not gonna be able to train. But Bibi is on point and he’s super excited.”
Whether or not we see the passing of the proverbial torch, Bibiano will not give Lineker an easy fight. The same can be said about Lineker.
#3. This won't be the only time the two would meet inside the cage
Though some might say that this might be a passing of the torch, we are sure it won't be an easy one.
As what was previously pointed out, it may require more than one meeting to settle this. With the level of skill and power, plus the genuine bad blood between the two, a series of fights might be necessary to weave the entire story.
Drama is generated through great narratives. At the moment, the narrative is about a genuine dislike between the two fighters. Whether it was gym drama or something else, something sparked friction and the flames just grew and grew.
After their fateful clash on February 11, the fires may have been stoked more. If that happens, the two might not be done with each other.
The greatest rivalries in sports are almost always never settled in one contest. The greatest rivalry in ONE Championship history, between Fernandes and Kevin 'The Silencer' Belingon, spanned four fights.
We don't see any reason why this won't be the same.
