ONE Combat Evening 7 will function a turning level in John Lineker’s storied profession.

The previous bantamweight world champion will enter his rematch with Fabricio Andrade with a large chip on his shoulder. The bout is about for February 24 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The whole card will air freed from cost for Amazon Prime Video subscribers in america and Canada.

Lineker and Andrade have already developed a fiery rivalry in only a transient period of time. The pair of Brazilian destroyers beat one another mindless in an epic back-and-forth at ONE on Prime Video 3 final yr.

‘Arms of Stone’, nonetheless, bought the quick finish of the stick. Lineker misplaced his world title earlier than even stepping foot within the circle after lacking his obligations on the scales. The top results of that match added extra salt to his gaping wound, because the 32-year-old was unintentionally hit within the nether areas by ‘Marvel Boy’.

The sheer influence of that devastating blow even shattered his groin cup. He was unable to proceed and the match was dominated an unlucky no contest.

Since then, John Lineker has heard each insult from the ebook coming from Andrade and, fairly frankly, many of the public. The Brazilian KO artist, for one, has all the time been a person of few phrases and would somewhat converse together with his fists.

With that in thoughts, let’s take a better have a look at what’s at stake for John Lineker at ONE Combat Evening 7.

#3. Satisfaction

John Lineker refuses to interact in a verbal struggle with Andrade, nevertheless it’s evident he nonetheless has no love misplaced for his brash rival.

As anticipated, ‘Marvel Boy’ unleashed a torrent of obscenities within the aftermath of their first match. He even questioned Lineker’s character, claiming he merely stop mid-fight and used the low blow as his manner out.

Being labeled a “quitter,” in fact, may simply be the worst factor for an expert athlete, particularly for a prized fighter. As a lot as Lineker would love to show the opposite cheek, Andrade crossed the road with that accusation.

It’s time for the Tiger Muay Thai fighter to pay the piper, and Lineker has the right instruments tucked in his palms to gather that debt.

Clearly, the primary aim for Lineker is to reclaim the vacant bantamweight throne. However make no mistake about it, this grudge match is all about restoring his pleasure.

#2. Popularity as a sturdy fighter

To be honest, Fabricio Andrade caught to his sensible sport plan and was certainly getting the higher of John Lineker of their first struggle. The 25-year-old survived the previous world champion’s signature hooks and averted getting completed in spherical two.

‘Marvel Boy’ even damage ‘Arms of Stone’ with a knee to the physique previous to that fight-ending foul. However Lineker has by no means been knocked out in 45 profession fights. That iron chin of his is the stuff legends are product of.

Then once more, Andrade was extraordinarily near ending that streak. He’ll enter this rematch with the utmost confidence figuring out he virtually put away one of the sturdy fighters in MMA historical past.

Lineker, then again, will do the whole lot in his energy to win this match and keep away from the identical errors that just about price him of their first encounter.

#1. John Lineker’s legacy as a ONE world champion

John Lineker lastly struck gold early final yr when he mercilessly knocked out his compatriot Bibiano Fernandes to grow to be the brand new king of the bantamweights.

‘Arms of Stone’ would love nothing greater than to hit Andrade with the identical feverish depth and put him out of his distress.

However first, he should get that monkey off his again and really make the 145-pound restrict this time round.

Regardless of Lineker’s spectacular profession resume, he has all the time been hounded by weight points. His previous finally caught as much as him in ONE Championship, and his supposed world title reign ended earlier than it even started.

After that embarrassing ordeal, Lineker understands he’s lucky to get a direct alternative to reclaim that belt.

‘Arms of Stone’ nonetheless has an opportunity to salvage his legacy with an emphatic victory in opposition to an opponent of Andrade’s caliber.