MMA fans around the globe have been salivating over the all-action main event between former bantamweight king John Lineker and surging knockout artist Fabricio Andrade at ONE on Prime Video 3 this Friday.
But it’s not just fans who can’t wait for that epic showdown. In fact, ONE Championship superstars from all across the planet are looking forward to the clash between two of the sport’s most dangerous strikers.Lineker captured the ONE Bantamweight World Title when he scored a sensational knockout over longtime champion Bibiano Fernandes this past March. Ever since then, he has been the target of relentless taunting from Andrade, who has been calling his rival “chicken” whenever he can. But the 25-year-old MMA fighter known as “Wonder Boy” isn’t just talk. The Muay Thai specialist has finished each of his last three opponents inside the first round, all in spectacular fashion.
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There is extra motivation for Andrade, too. The young Brazilian can claim the ONE Bantamweight World Title if he wins at ONE on Prime Video 3.
You knew Fabricio Andrade (@fabriciowdb) had a message for John Lineker, who missed weight for their #ONEonPrimeVideo3 clash.
"As expected, Lineker misses weight again. … He was going to lose the belt anyway. Now, the only good thing is that I get to make some extra money." pic.twitter.com/9fo4G7PgN2
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) October 20, 2022
Unfortunately for Lineker, he failed to make weight for this bout and was forced to vacate the title. Though “Hands of Stone” isn’t eligible to win the belt on Friday, he is nonetheless eager to silence his young foe’s mouth once and for all.
Ahead of this hotly anticipated battle, ONE Championship’s biggest personalities and best athletes predict Friday night’s main event.
Arjan Bhullar
“Lineker relies on his power to get his opponents out of there. When he lands clean, it’s a problem. I’m picking Lineker, but Andrade has a real chance. Power doesn’t mean anything if [Andrade] can neutralize the delivery system.”
Bibiano Fernandes
“I’m going with Fabricio because he’s more like an MMA guy, and he moves a lot.”
Christian Lee
“I think John Lineker will win because they’re both good strikers, but John has heavier hands.”
Eduard Folayang
“If you look at Andrade, almost all of his fights were one-sided. He was truly dominant. Lineker, on the other hand, has been tested quite a bit.
“I think Lineker still has the advantage. He’s faced the tougher opponents between the two of them. He has also experienced being hit and getting right back [into the fight]. So, because of his experience and durability, I’m still siding with Lineker.”
Kevin Belingon
“They both have the knockout power, and I like the energy of John. But I would pick Fabricio to win this bout because of his speed and reach advantage.”
Marcus Almeida
“I’m picking Andrade. He has good momentum in his career right now. He is younger and hungrier, and he uses his reach advantage really well. I think these are great advantages in his favor!”
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Jonathan Haggerty
“Andrade. I think his striking is good and could be the key to victory.”
Thanh Le
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“Very tough decision, but I think I’m going to give the edge to Andrade. Lineker is dangerous and can always end the fight in a blink [of an eye], but I think Andrade’s lengthy striking matches up really well against Lineker.”
