“He can’t even kick higher than a low kick” - Alexey Balyko belittles John Lineker’s Muay Thai game ahead of showdown
Russian striker Alexey Balyko not bothered by the challenge presented by upcoming opponent John Lineker, saying the Brazilian is out of his league in competing in Muay Thai.
The Tiger Muay Thai fighter made this known in an interview with ONE Championship for his scheduled bantamweight Muay Thai showdown with 'Hands of Stone' at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Oct. 4.
Alexey Balyko underscored that while Lineker may have proven himself well in MMA with his power and grappling abilities, in Muay Thai he remains untested and will have his hands full against him, saying:
"For some reason, Lineker decided to fight in Muay Thai, which surprises me a lot. He can't even kick higher than a low kick. If he chose to grapple, I think people would be less surprised. His punches might be heavy, but they are wide and slow."
Alexey Balyko will be entering ONE Fight Night 25 off an impressive opening-round win in his last fight in July over Stefan Korodi of Ireland.
Lineker, meanwhile, is also on a high heading into the showdown against Balyko after making a highly successful Muay Thai debut last month in the United States, knocking out American Asa Ten Pow in the second round. It was also a performance that earned him a $50,000 incentive from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The Lineker-Balyko clash is part of the action-packed ONE Fight Night 25 card happening at the famed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and airing live and for free to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Alexey Balyko looks to fortify standing in ONE Muay Thai lane with win over John Lineker
While he sees John Lineker as not much of a challenge, Alexey Balykov, however, views the match itself as important in fortifying his standing in the Muay Thai lane under ONE Championship.
The Russian striker made his promotional debut in September last year and has been a steady force, compiling a 3-1 record, with his lone defeat coming at the hands of Thai Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree by decision back in March.
Two of his victories came by way of knockout, the most recent a first-round stoppage of Stefan Korodi of Ireland in July.
Against Lineker at ONE Fight Night 25 on Oct. 4, Balyko is expecting to improve his stock with a win in ONE, which he is conifdent of achieving, believing his skills is head and shoulders above the MMA standout from Brazil.