John Lineker is known by the moniker “Hands of Stone” for his thumping power. It has helped him to claim 17 professional victories by knockout and, most recently, the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. It is a trademark that has been with him since the very beginning of his martial arts journey.
The new ONE Championship king, who defends his crown against Fabricio Andrade at ONE on Prime Video 3, has caught people’s attention with his power since he was a child. When he stepped through the ropes in the gym against older opposition in sparring sessions, he held nothing back. And thus, a legend began to grow.
“At first, they called me “mão de pedra” [Hands of Stone in Portuguese]. That nickname started in boxing. I started boxing at 12 years old, and I was very small and skinny, but I always sparred with athletes older and heavier than me. So, when I hit them, they said that my hand was too heavy, especially for my age and height. And then they started to say that my hand felt like a stone,” said Lineker.
“Hands of Stone” may have naturally carried more power in his fists than others, but he also credits his early years working in developing it to another level. Although he has always had that trait, he continues to work on it so that any man who stands across from him has to be wary of the furious punches he lands. It is a testament to never resting on your laurels and working to improve your skills, even when they are innate.
“I believe this goes back to my childhood. I worked a lot as a bricklayer’s helper, so I hit a lot of dough and carried a lot of weight, so I think this strength has been developing since I was a kid. Of course, today, I do specific training. I do physical preparation with alternating periods of strength, power, and functional. So, all of this helps to potentiate my punches even more. But like I said, I started working very young, I gained weight from a very early age, and I think that helped me develop that strength. I already had this strength before I started going to the gym, but today, I do strength work, and the result has been very effective,” said the ONE Bantamweight World Champion.
In his camps today, Lineker closes out with over 300 pounds on his bench press and 440 pounds with his deadlift. His compact frame and tireless work ethic have put him on highlight reels that fans devour. His chin-rocking knockouts have captivated audiences for years.
He has no plans on slowing down now that he has reached the summit with the gold. Lineker plans to bring the same intensity and heat-seeking missiles in his fists to Andrade on Friday, October 21. For Lineker, it is only natural to come forward and look for the knockout.
“In fact, my fighting style, my aggression when I get in the cage, is natural. That’s what I do every day. It’s all-natural. I don’t invent anything, don’t do anything different in the fight than I do in training. Of course, with each fight, we evolve, and naturally, we become more cautious and conservative, but I don’t feel any pressure. I won’t hold back because now I’m the champion. I’m going to get in the cage, and I’m going to do what I know how to do best, which is to put on a show and go forward all the time. I’m focused on that, on putting on a show for the fans,” said Lineker.
Andrade has routinely taken potshots at Lineker. The rising Brazilian star has even called him a chicken. But perhaps most notably to the current king, he rated Lineker’s striking a 7/10. “Hands of Stone” was honest and quick with his reply, and he showed no signs of worry about his standup in the upcoming title bout.
“I think a seven is already pretty dangerous for him. That’s what I think,” said Lineker.
Lineker will defend the ONE Bantamweight World Championship for the first time at ONE on Prime Video 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Friday, October 21.
