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Newly-crowned ONE bantamweight champ John Lineker is preparing for his first title defense against top-contender Fabricio Andrade. The 32-year-old appears to be in the best shape of his life heading into ONE on Prime Video 3.
Now just days away from the event, Lineker is looking shredded in the gym.
The former UFC competitor is sharpening his tools at the renowned American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. Interestingly, 'Hands of Stone' picked up UFC victories over the likes of Marlon Vera and John Dodson prior to joining ONE.
John Lineker banking on power to win
Unbeaten since signing with ONE in 2019, Lineker is a bonafide finisher, picking up stoppage wins in three straight contests. He'll be banking on his heavy hands once locked in the cage with Andrade.
Lineker revealed in the ONE on Prime Video 3 virtual press conference:
"This is like football. You only need one goal to win. Just like I only need one punch to win. It’s very nice for [Andrade] to dream about turning me into a wrestler. But I’m ready for him. I have over 50 fights, I’ve never been KO’d."
It's a wild but true stat that Lineker has never been knocked out or finished on the feet. In 44 professional fights, 'Hands of Stone' has lost just nine times.
In his title-winning performance against Bibiano Fernandes at ONE: Lights Out, Lineker showcased his finishing abilities, snatching the belt in the second round by way of a left hook.
As for his upcoming opponent, Lineker will have his hands full. Fabricio Andrade is a 25-year-old phenom who's also undefeated within the promotion. Since joining ONE, Andrade has won five straight, including three consecutive opening round finishes over Kaiwen Li, Jeremy Pacatiw, and Won Il Kwon.
Andrade has been quick to voice his confidence in the lead-up to his title fight. However, the current champ is unfazed. John Lineker said:
“None of that bothers me. I take it all in my stride. I think talking is nonsense, we have to resolve it inside the Circle. I’m going to show him that you don’t win by talking, but by showing what you’re good at inside the circle.”
Check out John Lineker's title-winning performance below:
