John Lineker pleased to get into an absolute barnburner with Rodtang if the time is right: “Let’s go to war”
John Lineker is ready to go to war with Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
After dominating the world of mixed martial arts for years, 'Hands of Stone' made his Muay Thai debut last month at ONE 168: Denver. There, Lineker scored a destructive second-round knockout against 'The American Ninja' Asa Ten Pow, making a memorable premiere in the art of eight limbs.
A month later, Lineker returned to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for another Muay Thai scrap, this time against Russian standout Alexey Balyko at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video.
Linker finished things in the opening round via another highlight-reel KO and immediately called for a clash with one of the most dangerous strikers in all of Muay Thai—Rodtang.
Following the event, Lineker reiterated his interest in a potential showdown with Rodtang, saying:
"Well, if the opportunity to fight him is the next one, let's fight. Let's go to war."
Currently, 'The Iron Man' is gearing up for a rematch with Jacob Smith at ONE 169 on Nov. 8.
Should he get past the British striker, is a scrap between Rodtang and 'Hands of Stone' the fight to make in 2025?
If he can't get Rodtang, John Lineker hopes for a trilogy fight against Fabricio Andrade
While a fight with Rodtang Jitmuangnon appears to be Lineker's top priority, it's not the only bout on the former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion's mind.
Speaking with Nick Atkin following ONE Fight Night 25, the heavy-hitting icon revealed that if he can't get 'The Iron Man' anytime soon, he'll gladly take a long-awaited trilogy fight with Fabricio Andrade—the reigning ONE bantamweight MMA titleholder.
Speaking to Nick Atkin, Lineker said:
"If that [fight with Rodtang] doesn't happen, I'm happy to go back to MMA and maybe a trilogy for the belt again".
Lineker and Andrade have met twice before, their first meeting at ONE on Prime Video 3 ending due to an unfortunate no-contest following an accidental low blow.
Four months later, they would run it back at ONE Fight Night 7. On that night, 'Wonder Boy' claimed the bantamweight MMA crown via a fourth-round TKO.
Which opponent would you rather see 'Hands of Stone' take on next, Rodtang or Fabricio Andrade?
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Fight Night 25 replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.