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Unlike in their first encounter where he was tagged as the underdog, Fabricio Andrade entered his rematch with John Lineker this week. He is recognized as favorite and is basking in it.
The top two Brazilian fighters made another go for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title on February 24 at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video in Bangkok after their initial showdown back in October ended inconclusively as a no-contest.
But prior to the unfortunate ending, Fabricio Andrade was having his way against Lineker, beating down on the latter and keeping him puzzled with his aggressiveness and solid striking. His impressive showing last time had many pundits and observers now gravitating towards him to win in his do-over with Lineker.
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In an interview with SCMP MMA, “Wonder Boy” shared his thoughts on being labeled as the favorite in his upcoming fight.
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He said:
“Coming before that fight I was the underdog. I think 90 percent of the people thought I was going to lose, and for this one, things changed. Now everybody thinks I’m gonna win. But it’s good to see you know, I’m finally getting recognized for what I’m doing. So of course it’s good to see that. But I try to stay away from that and just stay focused on the fight.”
Watch the interview below:
The rematch between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade headlines the stacked ONE Fight Night 7 card happening at the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. It is the second Amazon show for the year of ONE Championship. The event has nine other fights on tap which will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Fabricio Andrade says John Lineker rematch being in a boxing ring "doesn’t change much"
For his upcoming fight for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title, Fabricio Andrade will battle John Lineker inside a boxing ring instead of the circle he usually competes in. However, he does not expect to have a problem with it.
'Wonder Boy' takes on “Hands of Stone” Lineker in an all-Brazilian rematch for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 at the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
Instead of the traditional circle, combatants for the event will battle inside a five-rope ring. Fabricio Andrade said they will need to make some adjustments to a different setting, but expects himself to find a way to work inside it and succeed.
He shared this with MMA Underground in an interview:
“I think there’s a little bit of a difference in the rules. If you get taken down then you go to the ropes, I think the fight comes back standing up, but it doesn’t change much, you know. We’re gonna be in front of each other and it is what it is.”
Watch the full interview below:
Fabricio Andrade is shooting for a conclusive ending to his rematch with Lineker after their first encounter for the title back in October ended in a no-contest.
Despite the unexpected result, 'Wonder Boy' is still impressed with his striking and spirited activity, which left 'Hands of Stone' reeling from being pummeled and outplayed.
