“I’m Not Worried About His Striking” – Bibiano Fernandes Thinks He Can Withstand John Lineker’s “Hands of Stone”

ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes is confident that he can put a stop to John “Hands of Stone” Lineker’s impressive run on the global stage.

The longtime division king puts his gold on the line against the top-ranked contender at ONE: LIGHTS OUT this Friday, 11 March. He sees no issue overcoming his Brazilian counterpart, who has used his heavy artillery to power him to two consecutive finishes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“I don’t think he has a dangerous striking. He has only good punches. I saw a lot of his fights, I studied his game with my coaches, and we saw that he has some really good hooks,” the 41-year-old offered.

“He’s a short guy, which in my opinion helps him throw those punches. But I’m not worried about his striking or his skills. I’m very focused, and I know I’m going to go through the Lineker. I know I will win this fight.”

Read More – “I Intend to Knock Him Out Fast” – John Lineker Envisions Highlight-Reel KO of Bibiano Fernandes

In fact, Fernandes has left the Circle victorious against some of the division’s finest strikers in the past. The AMC Pankration athlete has amassed some notable performances in the stand-up department against the likes of Reece McLaren, Martin Nguyen, and Kevin Belingon.

Bibiano Fernandes believes he has a significant edge on the ground

“The Flash” understands that Lineker is a class above those guys when it comes to power and precision. He, however, feels that the American Top Team standout does not have much to trouble him apart from those two attributes.

“He has a very good hand. He likes to play the right hand and the hook, which he does very well. This is his game. I respect John Lineker, but I’m ready to defend my belt one more time,” the Vancouver resident said.

“I confess that I’m not thinking much about Lineker, but I’m [focused on what I am] going to do in the fight against John Lineker.”

Fernandes has not revealed much of his game plan ahead of the pair’s scheduled five-round war this Friday. But the Brazilian World Champion knows for a fact that he can finish the bout before the final bell.

Especially if he manages to diffuse “Hands of Stone’s” truck-like fists and punish him on the canvas with his grappling prowess.

“He won’t do Jiu-Jitsu with me. If he does, I have no doubt that I will finish him,” Fernandes warned.

Download the ONE Super App to catch these two bantamweight stars in action at ONE: LIGHTS OUT this Friday, 11 March.