John Lineker completely focused on Fabricio Andrade rematch and doesn’t want to think ahead

‘Hands of Stone’ John Lineker isn’t looking far ahead into the future as his only focus is to beat Fabricio Andrade in their highly-anticipated rematch.

The former bantamweight king has a lot to prove when he returns to action again on February 24. His opponent, ‘Wonder Boy’ Fabricio Andrade was on his way to winning their first match back in October. Unfortunately, Andrade fouled Lineker with a knee to the groin in the third round.

The damage was so devastating that the former divisional king couldn’t get back to his feet. A no-contest was ruled, with a possibility of a rematch set for another day.

Now, Lineker feels it’s his responsibility to convince the fans that he can beat Fabricio Andrade. So his sole focus right now is just on this match and not the distant future.

The Brazilian veteran told MMA Sucka:

“My fight against Fabrício hasn’t happened yet. I’m going to win and take back the title. So, at the moment I’m not thinking about other opponents or superfights. Of course, in the future I want to do some superfights, but now I’m focused on this fight against Fabrício, I’m focused on the title fight.”

John Lineker is a gifted athlete who has established himself early as a scary knockout puncher. Before he joined ONE Championship in 2019, Lineker had an impressive run in top MMA organizations in the United States. He fought against legendary athletes in the industry, amassing a stellar record of 31 wins and 9 losses.

At only 32-years-old, Lineker still has a chance to defend his belt a few more times if he reclaims it on February 24, but only if he protects his chin and keeps the fight on its feet.

Lineker and Andrade will face off on ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, which will be broadcast live and for free on February 24 for North American fans with a Prime Video subscription.

---

John Lineker holds on to the dream of fighting Demetrious Johnson in a superfight

Although John Lineker is focused on the biggest world title bout of his career, he’s always expressed a desire to meet Demetrious Johnson in a superfight.

The reigning ONE flyweight world champion ‘Mighty Mouse’ Demetrious Johnson is on a collision course to face former divisional king Adriano Moraes in a trilogy showdown at ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video in May.

While Lineker and Johnson are preparing for their upcoming matches, the Brazilian hard-hitter continues to hold on to the dream of fighting the Washington native in a superfight in the near future.

For most of his MMA career, Lineker used to fight at 135 pounds before moving up to his natural weight class at 145 pounds. But he would go down again to flyweight again if it meant facing his long-time idol.

Speaking to Sherdog, John Lineker previously shared:

“I don’t have interest to fight Adriano ‘Mikinho,’ who is my former [American Top Team training] partner and personal friend, but in case Demetrious Johnson wins, I would accept to face him in a superfight.”