“Everything becomes more complicated” - John Lineker on why fighters should prioritize health above everything else
Former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion John Lineker of Brazil understands that a career in fighting is fleeting, which is why he's chosen to wear his entrepreneurial hat and invest in a handful of small businesses in his native Paranagua.
Lineker says that martial arts is extremely taxing on the mind and body, and fighters are susceptible to injury, which could happen in any fight. This frail existence, 'Hands of Stone' says, is unreliable in terms of career longevity, although he's been able to last for so long despite the many wars he's been in.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Lineker explained his stance on the matter.
'Hands of Stone' said:
"Sometimes we fight [multiple times] in a row, but in the middle, we can get injured and then everything becomes more complicated."
Lineker is set to return to action in a couple of weeks when he makes his Muay Thai debut in ONE Championship.
'Hands of Stone' John Lineker is set to lock horns with the United States' Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, Sept. 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Tickets to watch live in-stadium are available at Ticketmaster.
John Lineker sees light at end of the tunnel in MMA career: "I plan to fight for another five or six years"
Former bantamweight MMA king 'Hands of Stone' John Lineker has the remainder of his MMA career mapped out. The Brazilian veteran sees himself competing for a few more years before riding off into the sunset.
He told ONE:
"I plan to fight for another five or six years. That’s my goal. I want to be able to do as many fights as possible during this period so that I can then retire, rest, and enjoy my family more."
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding ONE 168: Denver as it happens.