Count ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson as one of many who are getting excited for the upcoming John Lineker vs. Fabricio Andrade bantamweight title tilt at ONE on Prime Video 3: De Ridder vs. Abdulaev on October 21.
Demetrious Johnson Hypes Up Fabricio Andrade
The American star has taken note of Andrade’s impressive ascent up the bantamweight ranks and enjoys the exciting style “Wonder Boy” brings into the ONE Championship Circle.
“Fabricio Andrade, he’s f****** good. That fight is going to be sick between him and John Lineker,” Johnson told ONE.
“I really like Andrade. I really, really do. I think it’s the way he comes out and fights. He pushes the pace, he takes risks. I think that fight against John Lineker is going to be a great fight.”
Andrade’s run toward the title shot has seen the Brazilian reel off seven consecutive victories, including five in ONE, and he has finished each of his last three opponents by first-round knockout. However, Johnson does not believe that will be his path to victory against the heavy-handed Lineker. When breaking down the action, Johnson noted that Lineker will score offensively, and the result will fall on how Andrade handles the pressure.
“I think it’s going to come down to when John Lineker’s going to land his punches, right? He’s going to land his big punches,” said Johnson.
“Obviously, he has the power to knock out anybody, so it’s going to come down to whether Fabricio Andrade can, one, take the power, and two, utilize John Lineker’s big swings.”
“I think if Fabricio Andrade gets busy moving, has good footwork, good movement, and good feints, he could really draw out some of Lineker’s big shots. But I know someone’s going to get knocked out in that fight. That’s all I can say.”
The #2-ranked bantamweight contender got a chance to hear the words from Johnson and was pleased to know his hard work is getting recognized by one of the sport’s all-time greats. Andrade recalled how impressed he was with Johnson’s recent performance against Adriano Moraes and that “Mighty Mouse’s” praise will motivate him to continue doing what has brought him to the forefront of the bantamweight division.
“It sure makes me very happy. Hearing this from a guy with the experience and the name he has motivates me a lot. It shows that my work is being recognized and motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing,” Andrade told ONE.
As the world takes notice, “Wonder Boy” gets his shot at breaking through and capturing the ONE Bantamweight World Championship to become a global superstar next month.
ONE on Prime Video 3: De Ridder vs. Abdulaev airs live on Friday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
