“My focus is MMA” - John Lineker says his main focus is on MMA, but competing in other sports an option
MMA veteran John Lineker made a successful debut in Muay Thai in his most recent fight. But, he reiterated that while he does not mind doing more matches in the "art of eight limbs" or other combat sports, his focus remains on the multifaceted sport of MMA.
'Hands of Stone' had an explosive maiden outing in Muay Thai at ONE 168 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., on Sept. 6, knocking out American Asa Ten Pow in their bantamweight showdown.
John Lineker, the former bantamweight MMA world champion, brought his vaunted power at ONE 168, steadily tearing down 'The American Ninja' right from the opening belt. It all came to an end at the 2:50 mark of the second round as Ten Pow folded for good from all the telling hits he absorbed from the Brazilian fighter.
Speaking to ONE Championship following his victory, the 34-year-old American Top Team representative shared his thoughts on his Muay Thai debut and future in it, saying:
"My focus is MMA. I don't plan on switching to Muay Thai [permanently], but I want to do other Muay Thai fights, just to stay active. I can even fight in submission grappling or do some super-fight with special rules!"
Heading into ONE 168: Denver, Lineker said his foray into Muay Thai was part of his push to widen his horizon as a fighter even at this stage of his career.
The full replay of ONE 168 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
John Lineker's debut Muay Thai win earns him $50,000 performance bonus
Making John Lineker's Muay Thai debut win at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 more momentous was he also earned a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The second-round KO win of 'Hands of Stone' over Asa Ten Pow in ONE Championship's second live on-ground event in the United States was one of six top-notch performances rewarded with a hefty bonus.
John Lineker joined as bonus winners Johan Estupian (Colombia), Adrian Lee (Singapore/USA), Johan Ghazali (Malaysia/USA), Seksan or Kwanmuang (Thailand), and Superlek Kiatmoo9 (Thailand).
Following his victory at OINE 168, Lineker improved his ONE Championship record to 7-2.