Fabricio Andrade Predicts Knockout Of Hero-Turned-Rival John Lineker At ONE Fight Night 7

As the old saying goes, “Work until your idols become your rivals.” And for Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade, that rings true.

This Saturday, 25th February, the #1-ranked bantamweight contender will rematch former ONE Bantamweight World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker for the vacant divisional crown in Bangkok, Thailand.

When Andrade made his debut in mixed martial arts, Lineker was already 31 fights into his professional career, and his name was already among the best Brazilian to ever compete in the all-encompassing sport.

Transitioning into the sport as a decorated Muay Thai fighter, “Wonder Boy” admired Lineker and even aspired to be like him. 

But as the universe drew the two together at the top of ONE’s bantamweight division, that admiration quickly turned to hostility.

That said, the 25-year-old phenom admits there is still a part of him that holds reverence for Lineker and his career. But come Friday night, Andrade predicts a painful ending to their heated rivalry.

“I have all the respect for the history that he built. I have been watching him for a long time. He’s been around for a long time. So he got my respect for that,” he confessed.

“But now, it’s my time. He’s talking about a different time. If he still wants to be here, if he still wants to fight, that’s up to him. I’m going to do what I got to do; it’s business. I’m going to say what I have to say when we are together in the ring. I’m going to knock him. It’s just business.”

Up until their first meeting with “Hands of Stone” last October ended in a no-contest, Andrade’s momentum was riding high.

The Muay Thai specialist won his first five fights inside the ONE Circle, with his last three outings ending via a first-round knockout.

He looked to be on the brink of finishing Lineker and claiming the World Title when they faced off at ONE on Prime Video 3, but a low blow to the veteran brawler took victory out of Andrade’s hands and left the belt vacant.

So in “Wonder Boy’s” mind, the rematch is about claiming the ONE Bantamweight World Championship – and doing it in style against his fiery compatriot. 

“I think this is the fight for me to make a statement. The first fight was good, but I don’t believe I performed at my best,” Andrade said.  

“Coming to this fight is my chance to make beating Lineker look easy. When I do that, it’s going to be a huge statement, and people are going to keep talking about this fight for a long time.”