Fabricio Andrade is ready to claim the title he felt he should have won last October. The ONE Championship bantamweight star is chomping at the bit to get his crack at John Lineker and the ONE Bantamweight World Championship at ONE Fight Night 7. The action will get underway inside Lumpinee Stadium on February 24.
“Wonder Boy” is adamant that Lineker now knows the talent difference between the two after feeling his presence when they first met in October. Although that has given him several months to make adjustments, Andrade does not believe it will make any difference. When the bell sounds for their rematch in Bangkok, Andrade plans to continue his impressive ONE record with another knockout.
“He will definitely prepare more now that he knows how good I am. But I believe this will not make a difference. Three months of training will not make him become another athlete. I know how he fights, he knows how I fight, and that won’t change for the rematch. So, I’m sure I’ll knock him out one more time,” Andrade told ONE.
The Marrok Force athlete looked outstanding in the first meeting by repeatedly landing on his compatriot. However, the unfortunate foul that landed low brought a pause to the action and resulted in a no-contest. But Andrade still believes that the first match will pay dividends when they meet again, as the mental game will also be in his favor.
“I think the fact that I came very close to ending the fight, that he was badly hurt in the fight, and that I defended all his attempts on the ground, makes a difference in the psychological factor. He knows I’m better than him. His chance of winning this fight is if something extraordinary happens. But we know that I’m the best athlete, that this is my moment, and that I’m going to be the champion,” said the 25-year-old.
“Wonder Boy” is preparing for the best possible version of Lineker. Unlike their first meeting, when Lineker failed to make weight and hydration, Andrade expects his fellow Brazilian to be in peak condition. But Andrade is exuding the confidence of a champion. No matter which Lineker steps into the ring against him inside Lumpinee Stadium, he plans on delivering the same concussive finish.
“That doesn’t interfere with anything. I’m not worried about that. If he doesn’t make weight again, we’re going to fight anyway, and I’m going to knock him out,” said Andrade.
ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II airs on Prime Video on February 24. The action kicks off live and free for all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime subscribers at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.
