Fabricio Andrade says John Lineker rematch being in a boxing ring "doesn’t change much"

Fabricio Andrade (L) / John Lineker (R) -- Photo by ONE Championship
Fabricio Andrade (L) / John Lineker (R) -- Photo by ONE Championship

Unlike the circle he usually competes in, Fabricio Andrade will have to fight inside a boxing ring in his scheduled fight this week. Despite the change, it's not something he has a problem with.

'Wonder Boy' takes on John Lineker in an all-Brazilian rematch for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok. The venue is the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, where many top strikers have competed throughout the years.

Instead of the traditional circle, for the upcoming event, combatants will battle inside a five-rope ring. Fabricio Andrade said they will need to make some adjustments to the different setting, but the true warrior that he is, he insisted that he will find a way to excel.

He shared to 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:

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Fabricio Andrade is gunning for a definitive ending in 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' still impressed with his striking and spirited activity, which left 'Hands of Stone' pummeled and puzzled.

ONE Fight Night 7 will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.


Get up to speed with what happened in the first fight between Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker

Brazilians John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade first met for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title in October last year in a fight that took a myriad of unfortunate twists and turns.

The contest, which happened at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, suffered a hit even before it started when then-champion Lineker was stripped of the belt after missing weight.

The fight, however, still proceeded with only Fabricio Andrade eligible to claim the vacant world title in the event of a win.

On fight night, the showdown lived up to its explosive billing, with the two top-class fighters taking it to one another in the early rounds with impressive striking and tireless aggressiveness.

But as fate would have it, the fight would take another detour south in the third round, when Lineker absorbed an accidental strike in the groin. He was given five minutes to recover but was eventually ruled unable to continue before the fight was declared a no contest.

The unfortunate result wasted a promising start for Fabricio Andrade, as he proved himself to be a handful for the former world champion from distance.

The two proud fighters make another go for the bantamweight gold on February 24 at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video in Bangkok, and this time they do not want to leave any doubt and put a dot on their championship mix-up.

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