WATCH: Alexey Balyko brutally sends Suakim, Stefan Korodi to the shadow realm in his ONE Championship run
Russian Muay Thai star Alexey Balyko is one name that combat sports fans have on their radar in the supremely stacked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai division. After a unanimous decision win over Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri in his September 2023 promotional debut, Balyko produced explosive knockout victories against Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin and Irish standout Stefan Korodi this past January and July, respectively, with his patented lead left hook.
The world's largest martial arts promotion shared Balyko's finishes on Instagram with the accompanying caption that read:
"That left hook 💯 Can Alexey Balyko land another knockout when he faces John Lineker this week at ONE Fight Night 25 on @primevideo? @balyko_alexey"
Gifted with stellar footwork and a near-supernatural ability to know when to throw his power shots, the 31-year-old Tiger Muay Thai product has the makings of a future ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion.
However, his road to challenging for 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold will not be easy as he faces former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion John Lineker next at ONE Fight Night 25 on Friday, Oct. 4, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
John Lineker wary of Alexey Balyko's one-punch knockout power
Fresh off a knockout victory in his bantamweight Muay Thai debut against Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 inside the Ball Arena, John Lineker recognizes the danger that Alexey Balyko possesses in his hands.
'Hands of Stone' recently told ONE Championship:
"I think what makes Balyko dangerous are his hands. As I said, he has a very similar style to mine. He likes to use his boxing more, so I believe that what is most dangerous in his game are his hands."
ONE Fight Night 25 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.