3 Key Skills That Can Make Fabricio Andrade the Next Bantamweight Champion

When it comes to World Title shots, Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade is hoping that the second time’s a charm. This Friday at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, live in U.S. primetime, Andrade will battle John “Hands of Stone” Lineker in a rematch stepped in animosity for the vacant ONE Bantamweight World Title. 

With Andrade in the final preparations for his second chance at championship glory, we look at why he could be the next ONE Bantamweight World Champion this Friday, February 24.

#1 His Finishing Instincts 

 With a knockout or submission in all but two of his eight career MMA victories, the Brazilian superstar might be the best bantamweight finisher in the world. 

Possibly owing to his extensive background in professional Muay Thai and kickboxing, Andrade has shown a preternatural inclination for finding the knockout. Before the no contest against Lineker, he had scored three straight first-round knockouts, demonstrating soul-stealing power in his dynamic striking attack. 

 READ MORE – 3 Times John Lineker Showcased His Immense Power Inside the ONE Circle

Moreover, the Brazilian is no slouch on the ground and will happily slap on a fight-ending choke the moment the opportunity presents itself, making him a dangerous opponent no matter where the bout goes.

#2 He Still Hasn’t Reached His Prime 

 Even though he has already fought once for the golden belt and is the division’s #1-ranked contender, Andrade has yet to reach his full potential. At just 25 years old, the Tiger Muay Thai representative owns a wealth of high-level experience, including over 40 professional striking fights and six thrilling bouts inside the Circle.

As he continues to add to his impressive resume, he is only showing rapid growth as a fighter and athlete. Indeed, Andrade might still be years away from his physical prime, which is a scary proposition for the rest of the bantamweight division.

#3 He Nearly Beat Lineker The First Time 

 Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we can’t forget that Andrade nearly finished “Hands of Stone” the first time they went to war. While it wouldn’t be fair to say that he dominated the entire fight, the young Brazilian was on the cusp of scoring a spectacular knockout just seconds before the low blow brought an end to the contest. 

 READ MORE – “He Will Finish Lineker” – Anatoly Malykhin Predicts Highlight-Reel Knockout for Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 7

By the third round of that showdown, Andrade seemed to have figured out the former champion’s timing and landed a massive, rib-snapping knee that caused Lineker to cower in agony.