While John Lineker wants to get back to the top of ONE Championship‘s bantamweight MMA division, he has found himself in the thick of things in the “art of eight limbs.” After back-to-back victories in Muay Thai, he is close to breaking through into the official ONE athlete rankings. At ONE Fight Night 27 on Prime Video on Friday, January 10, he has a shot to do just that.
John Lineker Locks Horns with Kulabdam in ONE Fight Night 27
Awaiting him will be a Muay Thai master, Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai. The “Left Meteorite” will provide a massive test for the Brazilian. Lineker is well aware of what awaits him inside Lumpinee Stadium this weekend.
“I’ve been following Kulabdam. I’ve watched some fights, and he’s a guy who has a very versatile game, a dangerous guy. I believe it will be a test of fire for me. Kulabdam is a guy who grew up doing Muay Thai. He was practically born doing Muay Thai. In Thailand, you are born training Muay Thai, so it will definitely be a big test for me,” John Lineker stated to ONE.
HEAVY HITTERS ⚔️ Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker continues his climb up the Muay Thai ranks against the legendary "Left Meteorite" Kulabdam on January 10 at ONE Fight Night 27 on @primevideo! Will "Hands of Stone" move to 3-0 in Muay Thai?… pic.twitter.com/BfaZ83Hc3Z
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) November 20, 2024
John Lineker Promises Clash of Fighting Styles
John Lineker’s matches are must-watch due to his aggressive fighting style. At ONE Fight Night 27, that will be matched by his opponent. However, the 34-year-old notes the differences in their styles that could lead to explosive results.
“Our styles are very different. I use my boxing more, and he uses Muay Thai, so they are different styles. Let’s say that this fight will be a clash of styles, me with boxing and him with Muay Thai. It will certainly be a great fight! Without a doubt, the most dangerous weapons I bring to this fight are my ‘hands of stone,'” the Brazilian said.
More of John Lineker’s exciting style will be sure to be on display, as the man says himself. He is not going to change just because Kulabdam has more experience. Lineker is a consummate finisher and hopes to add another KO to his enduring highlight reel.
“As in all my fights, I go into the ring to win by knockout. I don’t like to leave it in the hands of the judges. So it won’t be any different in this fight. I just can’t say for sure which round it will be, but I’m going to be looking for the knockout all the time. You can be sure that I’m going to get in the ring and put on another show for all my fans,” the bantamweight remarked.
John Lineker Eyeing Bigger Names for Later Contests
“Hands of Stone” is also looking at potential super-fights down the line. At the top of his list is a man who he has already called out, Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Lineker is excited about a potential collision with “The Iron Man,” noting how their styles would mesh well for a memorable contest.
“Yes, I intend to fight Rodtang someday because of his fighting style, the way he likes to fight, which is the same as mine. We like to stand in the middle of the ring and exchange punches until one of us falls. It would be a great fight against him. His style is what I like to see, and it’s the style I like to put into practice when I step into the ring,” John Lineker said.
The Brazilian is not afraid of competing against anybody. The American Top Team athlete has been in the ring against the world’s best and loves testing himself, which is why Rodtang is such a strong desire for Lineker. Adding more fuel is the want to show the world he take out Muay Thai’s biggest superstar.
“I think I’m capable. In fact, everyone who goes into the ring has this mindset of coming out with the win, so I don’t think differently. I’ve never underestimated anyone, and it won’t be Rodtang that I’m going to underestimate. He’s a great athlete, but I know my potential, and I know what I can do,” John Lineker concluded.
ONE Fight Night 27 airs live on Friday, January 10, on Prime Video. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
