John Lineker has always been known for the power in his hands. At ONE 168: Denver, he will get a chance to unleash those fists in his first-ever professional Muay Thai contest. “Hands of Stone” will meet Asa Ten Pow in a bantamweight clash when ONE Championship arrives back stateside on Friday, September 6.
The former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion has put away many of the world’s best athletes by knockout. However, he is meeting a striking specialist who has more experience in the art form. The American has won back-to-back matches on the global stage, both by knockout.
DYNAMITE matchup 🧨 Former bantamweight MMA king John Lineker makes his Muay Thai debut against Asa “The American Ninja” Ten Pow on September 6 at ONE 168: Denver on @PrimeVideo!#ONE168 | Sep 6 at 8PM ET
🎟️ Get your tickets now 👉 https://t.co/qEGQBRoeyH
⭐️ Stage Front VIP… pic.twitter.com/QXEf0gRaBG— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) July 31, 2024
Ten Pow picked up his first promotional victory over Han Zi Hao in April 2023 at ONE Fight Night 9 by TKO. Five months later, he scored a thrilling third-round KO over Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon at ONE Fight Night 14. But Lineker surely offers him the most significant opportunity to date, given the Brazilian’s name value across martial arts.
The matchup will be a tremendous test for Lineker’s striking technique and raw power. While one shot can seal the deal, catching Ten Pow should prove immensely challenging. The #1-ranked bantamweight MMA contender can make a huge splash with another highlight-reel KO, or “The American Ninja” can announce himself as a threat across the bantamweight division by putting away Lineker.
ONE 168: Denver emanates from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The action airs live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video on Friday, September 6. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
