‘It’s A High-Profile Fight’ – Asa Ten Pow Eager To Take Out John Lineker In Massive Opportunity At ONE 168: Denver

Asa “The American Ninja” Ten Pow was shocked to see John “Hands of Stone” Lineker’s name on his ONE 168: Denver bout agreement, but he knew it presented him with a huge opportunity. 

Ten Pow will face the hard-hitting Brazilian in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash live in U.S. primetime on Friday, September 6, and he’s ready to make the most the most of his highest-profile battle to date.  

As a former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion with a massive global fan base, Lineker is the perfect foil for the 34-year-old striker when ONE returns to North America at Colorado’s Ball Arena.

The stacked card already offers up a bigger audience than ever for “The American Ninja,” but with an exciting and popular rival standing across from him, Ten Pow knows he can compound his returns with a dominant victory. 

He said: 

“It’s definitely the kind of fight that I want, these big-name guys. It will probably be my biggest name to date as far as profile goes.

“Initially, I thought it was actually an MMA fight. I had to read it and reread it again. And I realized that they were asking for a Muay Thai fight. With it being in Denver, I was ready to be there. It works out for me, keeps me in my wheelhouse, and even helps with the profile, so I’m excited. 

“I know Lineker brings a big fan base. It’s a high-profile fight. It’ll get a lot of eyes on me. I’m expecting a good showing that will help propel my name even further up the rankings.” 

Although Lineker has risen to the top of the MMA world with his concussive striking, Ten Pow is a stand-up specialist who has taken on elite opponents in Muay Thai and kickboxing.  

“The American Ninja” knows he must remain vigilant in the face of his rival’s one-shot finishing power, but he’s confident his skills will keep him a step ahead when they face off inside the Circle: 

“I have to be very sharp. I have to be disciplined in my pursuit of him. He’s someone who can catch you at any moment. As we’ve seen, he’s been able to knock people out in the last second, and he’s been able to weather some tough battles. 

“I don’t expect his Muay Thai to translate well with me. I expect to have my way as long as I’m not doing what he does best, which is throwing those hooks with no regard for anybody. 

“I think I’ll nullify a lot of what he’s going to be doing anyway so he might not be able to showcase everything that he wants to do.” 

Ten Pow will head into the contest riding a two-fight knockout streak and he plans on making it three by taking out “Hands of Stone.” 

The Florida Kickboxing Academy athlete expects a tough battle to get there, but he’s ready to shine in Denver. 

He said: 

“The fight is going be at a fast pace and it will definitely be a high-volume fight. You can expect more of the same from me, being present in the fight, determined to win, always looking for the finish, and throwing in those highlight techniques.  

“It’s going to be a show of technique and probably a flash of history in the making. So you don’t want to blink because I’m going to be lighting up the house.” 

Ten Pow Eyes Up MMA Switch With Win Over Lineker 

Asa Ten Pow has shown his world-class striking in ONE, but he’s also competed regionally in MMA and sees his next encounter as a potential segue into the all-encompassing sport on the global stage. 

Lineker is the #1-ranked MMA bantamweight and former divisional king, so if “The American Ninja” can dispatch him in style, it could set him up for even bigger things in a potential move over. 

The 34-year-old even has an opponent and date in mind if he gets past “Hands of Stone” when the pair clash in Colorado. 

Ten Pow said: 

“John Lineker is right here in front of me. He’s the target, and I’m going to finish that. Then from there, we’ll see what ONE wants to do with me, but I’ll shoot my shot on everything for sure. 

“He is the name to help me in that transition. If I want to be in that MMA world, it helps give me that clout. 

“In MMA, we can do it in Atlanta as well. Get me right back [at ONE 169]. What I’m really trying to do now is stay consistent, be on top of it, and just get these fights going. 

“I think ‘The American Ninja’ is one of the most exciting things to happen to MMA. Put me up against Fabricio Andrade, that would be a great matchup for me.”