WATCH: John Lineker shows off ‘Hands of Stone’ to punish Muin Gafurov in ONE debut
Brazilian veteran John Lineker has had an impressive five-year run so far in ONE Championship. It all started with a hard-earned victory over Tajikistan's Muin Gafurov by way of unanimous decision.
'Hands of Stone' met 'Tajik' at ONE: Dawn of Valor in October 2019 in Indonesia in a bantamweight MMA showdown. The two intensely went back and forth in their three-round battle, which took varying twists and turns. Eventually, though, it was the American Top Team affiliate's hand that was raised in victory on the strength of his potent striking.
ONE Championship uploaded the full fight on its YouTube channel on Aug. 22 for fight fans to relive and enjoy ahead of the scheduled return of John Lineker to action next month in the United States.
Check out the video below:
Lineker has since gone 5-2 following his maiden ONE victory over Gafurov, including holding the ONE bantamweight MMA world title at one point.
John Lineker makes Muay Thai debut at ONE 168
John Lineker returns to action next month in the United States, not in his traditional lane of mixed martial arts but in Muay Thai, where he will be making his debut.
The 34-year-old Brazilian will take on America's Asa Ten Pow in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 6. It is part of the 12-fight offering happening at the Ball Arena and airing live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
John Lineker is pumped for his Muay Thai debut and is counting the days until he finally plunges into action against Ten Pow:
"War, Let’s go 👊🏼🪨🔥🔥 #ONE168," he wrote in one of his posts on Instagram.
'Hands of Stone' is looking for a bounce-back win at ONE 168 after losing by submission in his last fight back in January as a late-replacement opponent against Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in a catchweight MMA fight.
Meanwhile, out to give Lineker a rude welcome in Muay Thai is Ten Pow, winner of his last two matches, both by way of knockout.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.