One Championship 145-pound kingpin John
Lineker would like to get back to action sooner than the
organization has planned for him.
Lineker claimed the title by knocking Bibiano
Fernandes out cold with one punch in March at the appropriately
titled “Lights
Out” event. The likely next challenger for Lineker’s first
defense is expected to be a fellow countryman: Fabricio
Andrade, who challenged the division’s top fighter after his
own victory in June. Lineker spoke to Sherdog on Thursday about the
possible matchup, as well as one more he is watching out for should
the opportunity arise.
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“I’m an employee, whoever ONE FC decides, I’ll be ready,” Lineker
explained. “Unfortunately, these guys started to promote the fight
in a disrespectful way. I really don’t like that, and my opponents
should learn that they just get [me] more motivated to knock them
out.”
The man known as “Hands of Stone” did like the potential pairing
with Andrade, as he feels it would lead to him having a more
interesting camp to prepare for “Wonder Boy.”
“I like to fight against fighters that don’t walk backwards, like
Fabricio, where I can focus more on my striking. Against Bibiano, I
never trained so much jiu-jitsu and wrestling in my entire life,”
Lineker lamented.
When visiting manager Alex Davis’ farm in Rio de Janeiro, Lineker
revealed that he believes One will promote his first title defense
around September. If he had the choice, however, he would come back
much sooner than that – even this summer if possible.
“As soon as possible, I want to be an active champion,” Lineker
stated in regards to when he would prefer his next fight.
Lineker fought at 125 pounds and 135 for much of his career before
joining the One ranks, which has weight policies that required
Lineker to shift to 145. Lineker has appeared more comfortable in
this range, but there is one particular fight that would prompt him
to drop down in weight. Should a potential bout with Demetrious
Johnson ever come to fruition, Lineker would be happy to move
back down – providing the latter gets past his next challenge of
Adriano
Moraes. In April 2021, Moraes became the first fighter to ever
finish “Mighty Mouse,” knocking the longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship great out with a
crushing knee. The two will rematch in August. Lineker is not
entirely focused on the winner of that match, but it is something
he enjoys thinking about.
“My focus now is 100% in my division,” Lineker said. “I don’t have
interest to fight Adriano ‘Mikinho,’ who is my former [American Top
Team training] partner and personal friend, but in case Demetrious
Johnson wins the [rematch], I would accept to face him in a
superfight.”