The Stars Predict John Lineker Vs. Fabricio Andrade At ONE On Prime Video 3
Update (October 20): John Lineker missed weight for his ONE Bantamweight World Title defense against Fabricio Andrade. As a result, Lineker has been stripped of the belt. The bout will proceed at catchweight. Only Andrade will be eligible to win the World Title at ONE on Prime Video 3. If Lineker wins, the World Title will remain vacant.
After months of anticipation, the two most dangerous bantamweight MMA strikers will finally collide for divisional gold in the Circle.
This Friday, October 21, reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker makes his first title defense against #2-ranked contender Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 3.
Lineker achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an MMA World Champion when he knocked out longtime bantamweight king Bibiano Fernandes for the crown this past March.
Andrade, however, has been calling Lineker out ever since his Brazilian compatriot claimed the ONE Bantamweight World Title. And after “Wonder Boy” won seven consecutive fights and knocked Kwon Won Il out in June, he could no longer be denied his shot at glory.
Before their main event showdown on Friday night at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ONE Championship’s biggest stars and personalities lay down their predictions.
Arjan Bhullar
“Lineker relies on his power to get his opponents out of there. When he lands clean, it’s a problem. I’m picking Lineker, but Andrade has a real chance. Power doesn’t mean anything if [Andrade] can neutralize the delivery system.”
Bibiano Fernandes
“I’m going with Fabricio because he’s more like an MMA guy, and he moves a lot.”
Christian Lee
“I think John Lineker will win because they’re both good strikers, but John has heavier hands.”
Eduard Folayang
“If you look at Andrade, almost all of his fights were one-sided. He was truly dominant. Lineker, on the other hand, has been tested quite a bit.
“I think Lineker still has the advantage. He’s faced the tougher opponents between the two of them. He has also experienced being hit and getting right back [into the fight]. So, because of his experience and durability, I’m still siding with Lineker.”
Kevin Belingon
“They both have the knockout power, and I like the energy of John. But I would pick Fabricio to win this bout because of his speed and reach advantage.”
Alyse Anderson
“I’m picking Lineker based off experience and seeing him train at American Top Team. I think he will remain champion.”
Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida
“I’m picking Andrade. He has good momentum in his career right now. He is younger and hungrier, and he uses his reach advantage really well. I think these are great advantages in his favor!”
Stephen Loman
“I think Lineker has the advantage in that match. We’ve seen in his last match against Bibiano that he can come back strong even after getting knocked down. As a former boxer, Lineker’s hands are really heavy, and I think that’s his most obvious advantage in that matchup.
“This will be a five-round contest, so I think both fighters will be smart about their approach. I think in the first and second rounds, they will be gauging each other’s ability and trying to find their timing for that killer blow. Between the third and fourth rounds, I believe one of them will fall down, and I’m leaning more on the idea that Andrade will be the one on the canvas.”
Mark Sangiao
“This is one of the most highly anticipated matches for me. This is a striker vs. striker battle, and it’s going to be explosive. This is where Andrade will be tested.
“This match will highlight how good Lineker truly is, but Andrade is really good as well. He finished Kwon and Jeremy [Pacatiw], so what I truly expect is a knockout. I’m saying whoever gets to land first will probably win, but if I’m to predict, I’d still stick with the champion. His chin is tested and we’ve seen how durable he is.”
Jonathan Haggerty
“Andrade. I think his striking is good and could be the key to victory.”
Thanh Le
“Very tough decision, but I think I’m going to give the edge to Andrade. Lineker is dangerous and can always end the fight in a blink [of an eye], but I think Andrade’s lengthy striking matches up really well against Lineker.”
Jackie Buntan
“Fabricio Andrade looks like he’s been on a successful roll. I think he can take the win in this one.”
