John Lineker recounts the moments that led to the corner stoppage in Fabricio Andrade rematch

At ONE Fight Night 7, John Lineker produced a gutsy performance against Fabricio Andrade but was unable to continue the fight heading into the fifth and final round.

The former ONE bantamweight world champion answered a lot of questions that his first fight with Andrade presented. On February 24, Lineker’s pace, pressure, and toughness were all on display as he proved that his best days aren’t behind him.

Despite his efforts to make the rematch with Andrade far closer than their first meeting at ONE on Prime Video 3, the damage that ‘Wonder Boy’ had inflicted started to build up.

Andrade’s jabs were incredibly sharp and precise and he landed them throughout the fight, causing Lineker’s vision to decline the further it went on.

In an interview with ONE Championship, John Lineker spoke about his corner stopping the fight in-between rounds, stating:

“There wasn't much to discuss at the moment. I couldn't see anything anymore, and I couldn't fight without seeing. The doctors were cleaning the cut and trying to get the swelling down in my eye, but unfortunately I couldn't see anything anymore. My corner asked me if everything was ok and I said I couldn't see anything. They talked to the doctor and the doctor said that it was not possible to continue the fight. So, it was a decision that didn't have much to discuss.”

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John Lineker was surprised by Fabricio Andrade’s chin

A key question going into the rematch with Fabricio Andrade for John Lineker was how he would adapt his offense in order to make the fight closer than their first contest.

At ONE on Prime Video 3, Lineker was unable to implement his signature style of relentless forward pressure followed by huge power shots, which have been devastating throughout his career.

Whilst Andrade got his hand raised at ONE Fight Night 7, with his precision striking proving to be the difference, he had to weather some huge shots from the former bantamweight world champion on his way to being declared the new king of the division.

Not many competitors have stood across from the man they call ‘Hands of Stone’ and overcome his power. However, that’s exactly what Andrade did, and more.

In an interview with ONE Championship, John Lineker praised his opponent’s resilience:

“I almost knocked him out a couple of times, but he took the blows pretty well. And the times I managed to put him down, he managed to get up. But that strategy was just to confuse him and make him more worried about takedowns so I could work more on my boxing.”