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ONE bantamweight world title contender Fabricio Andrade is just a few days away from his much-anticipated rematch with former world titleholder John Lineker. The bout, which will headline ONE Fight Night 7 on February 24, came on the heels of a controversial first fight between 'Wonder Boy' and 'Hands of Stone'.
The first fight was an unbelievable slugfest between two of ONE Championship’s most lethal knockout artists. Fabricio Andrade came close to winning the belt after hurting Lineker with a body shot, only for it to be taken away due to an errant low blow.
With the last meeting ending in a no-contest, the rematch has both warriors going through intense preparations to put a definitive end to the rivalry. In a recent video released by ONE Championship, we saw 'Wonder Boy' interestingly exploring a new facet of his game ahead of his clash with Lineker:
""Wonder Boy" works the takedowns 🥋 Fabricio Andrade headlines ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video as he rematches John Lineker for the vacant ONE Bantamweight World Title on February 24! 🏆 @fabricioandrade1"
It looks like Andrade is expanding his options when it comes to dealing with Lineker's dynamite-laced hands. If you notice in the video, 'Wonder Boy' countered an overhand right with an Ogoshi hip throw. The overhand right happens to be one of Lineker's most powerful weapons. Look to see Andrade counter it with this hip throw.
John Lineker looks to use better footwork in Fabricio Andrade rematch
With Fabricio Andrade exploring grappling for the rematch, it looks like John Lineker is looking to retool his already dangerous stand-up game. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Lineker gave an insight into the tweaks he's planning for the rematch with Andrade.
As it turns out, 'Hands of Stone' is focusing on adding a few improvements to compliment his punching power.
Lineker said:
“The strategy won't change much, but I'm improving a few things. I've been working on footwork, how to better move my head, and how to better shorten the distance during the fight. I'm going to keep practically the same game, only more evolved.”
Lineker visibly had problems closing the distance and tagging Andrade, as 'Wonder Boy' masterfully picked him apart with distance strikes. Perhaps it's indeed footwork and better head movement that will allow 'Hands of Stone' to close the distance and rip Fabricio Andrade inside.
Fans in North America can catch ONE Fight Night 7 on U.S. primetime on February 24 live and for free on Prime Video with an Amazon subscription.
