John Lineker: ‘I’ll Knock Everybody Out Until I Get The World Title’
John “Hands of Stone” Lineker is solely focused on getting his shot at ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes as soon as possible.
The #1-ranked bantamweight contender could prove he deserves the opportunity when he takes on Troy “Pretty Boy” Worthen in their mixed martial arts clash at “ONE on TNT III,” which airs on Wednesday, 21 April.
Lineker and Worthen will top the bill on U.S. prime-time television, and the Brazilian knows that a high-profile victory will boost his chance of receiving a World Title challenge in the near future.
“I’m very happy to fight in the main event. This responsibility is good. I’m ready — not only for this fight, but to become ONE’s World Champion,” Lineker says.
“I have had two fights in ONE so far. I’m ready for the title shot. This is the next goal, the next step, and I believe I’m more than ready for this moment.”
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In his ONE Championship debut, “Hands of Stone” clubbed his way to victory over Muin “Tajik” Gafurov at ONE: DAWN OF VALOR.
That earned him a battle with former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III this past November.
Belingon came into their matchup as the #1-ranked bantamweight contender, so Lineker was thrilled with his second-round knockout.
“My fight against Belingon was tough. He’s a versatile opponent who kicks a lot, but I frustrated his game plan with my boxing skills,” the American Top Team product recalls.
“I realized I was going to knock Belingon out when I started hitting him with body shots. He began to scream when [his body] was punched, so I knew I had found the way to victory and I finished him.”
That win allowed Lineker to leapfrog Belington in the rankings, and he plans to cement his #1 spot at “ONE on TNT III” despite a late change in opponent from Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman to Sanford MMA’s Worthen.
“All fights are dangerous, but I’m prepared in all aspects and ready for war. I have great boxing skills and I’m evolving my grappling game,” the Brazilian says.
“Like in my other fights, my goal will be to knock my opponent out. This time won’t be different. I don’t like to leave it in the hands of the judges.
“I like all kinds of challenges. Tough fights make me stronger, so come and get it, ‘cause I’m always ready. I want to put on a show for the fans.”
It’s clear that Lineker is on a singular mission to challenge – and dethrone – the most dominant World Champion in ONE history.
He believes the belt is his destiny, and that no opponent is capable of getting in his way.
“Bibiano must fear me because I’m focused on the title shot and I will not stop until I can fight him,” Lineker says.
“I’m the most dangerous ONE bantamweight. Nothing can stop me. I’m motivated and ready. I’ll knock everybody out until I get the World Title.”
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