Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker has turn out to be all the pieces he has wished and extra in fight sports activities. And he places that all the way down to the choices readily available in ONE Championship.
The Brazilian gained notoriety within the all-encompassing sport for his ridiculous knockout energy. That shortly reworked him into his moniker — “Arms of Stone.”
Lineker debuted in ONE Championship in 2019. He earned three knockouts in his first 4 fights. Kevin Belingon and Troy Worthen each met harmful ends versus Lineker. Then the third stoppage noticed him topped ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion.
The 34-year-old stripped longtime king Bibiano Fernandes of the gold at ONE: LIGHTS OUT in March 2022. His signature firepower downed his compatriot within the second spherical, permitting him to pile on brutal punches to assert the division’s throne.
Lineker’s World Title run by no means bought going, although. He misplaced the crown on the scales after lacking weight in opposition to Fabricio Andrade. After which of their rematch for the vacant crown in February 2023 at ONE Struggle Night time 7, Andrade glistened in a fourth-round stoppage to damage Lineker’s goals of reclaiming the gold.
“Arms of Stone” returned to competition. And the thrills saved on coming as he knocked out Kim Jae Woong, outlasted Stephen Loman, and confronted Shinya Aoki in an openweight MMA conflict on short-notice in Japan at ONE 165.
Presently, he boasts a staggering 18 knockouts in 37 MMA victories. So it was no shock to anybody to see the heavy hitter’s handiwork translate completely into the artwork of eight limbs.
He scored two knockouts in three outings. The primary got here in opposition to American Muay Thai standout Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168 in September final 12 months. The subsequent got here versus Russian finisher Alexey Balyko at ONE Struggle Night time 25 final October.
For the OCS Jiu-Jitsu expertise, the chance to strive his hand at Muay Thai reignited him. It gave him a brand new function. A recent perspective. And he praises ONE Championship’s multi-faceted mannequin for permitting him to thrive.
“I feel it’s actually fascinating what ONE does, permitting athletes to compete in different sports activities throughout the group. This has benefited me quite a bit, each when it comes to incomes cash and staying energetic,” he stated.
“I feel this is a vital issue, and I hope ONE continues to offer these alternatives to the group’s athletes. I can solely thank and congratulate ONE for these alternatives.”
