Tonight, Brazilian knockout artists John Lineker (35-9) and Fabricio Andrade (8-2) will run it back in one of the most highly anticipated rematches in recent memory.
The pair will clash once again for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title in the ONE Fight Night 7 headliner, which fans can watch for live and for free with an Amazon Prime membership at 8 p.m. EST.
While the two have met in the ONE circle before, we look at the keys required for either man to emerge victorious in the rematch on Friday.
1. John Lineker’s power
Lineker’s punching power might seem like an obvious choice for this list, but the Brazilian is not called “Hands of Stone” for nothing.
Seventeen of the Brazilian superstar’s 35 professional wins have come via knockout – three in ONE Championship – including his crushing world title victory over legendary 11-time ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes at the aptly named “ONE: Lights Out” in March 2022.
Simply put, Lineker has the power to turn the fight at any second, regardless of whether he is winning or losing up to that point.
If the 32-year-old is to reclaim his world title at ONE Fight Night 7, he will need to regularly find the target with his much-vaunted power punches.
2. Fabricio Andrade’s varied attack
Prior to their October 2022 matchup being declared a no contest due to an accidental low blow, Andrade found success with his varied striking attack.
“Wonder Boy” is a veteran of 43 muay Thai fights prior to his MMA career, and he used his skills in “the art of eight limbs” to great effect.
The damage inflicted by Andrade’s punches was evident on the face of Lineker, but it was his knees that almost closed the show in the third round.
A hard knee to the body doubled the former bantamweight king over, before a follow up knee landed low and rendered “Hands of Stone” unable to continue.
Faced with a foe so dangerous at punching range, Andrade will need to utilize his length and full arsenal of weapons once again to capture the bantamweight crown.
3. Lineker Has The Edge In Experience
Lineker will hold the edge in MMA experience, and he will need to call on that once again this Friday.
The heavy-handed Brazilian is a veteran of 45 professional fights, so he knows how to win on the big stage – as he did against Fernandes.
Among Lineker’s record is an extensive run in North America, including fights against some of the region’s best.
By contrast, the 25-year-old Andrade has 11 professional MMA fights to his name.
When the going gets tough and the fight is there to be won, Lineker’s experience will enable him to remain composed – and that could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
4. Andrade has the blueprint
In what was a pulsating contest through two-and-a-half rounds, Andrade took the upper hand as the bout wore on.
With one of his foe’s eyes swollen shut, Andrade’s knee to the body appeared to hurt Lineker and a finish was likely just around the corner.
Having come so close to victory, “Wonder Boy” created a blueprint for himself on how to defeat Lineker and as such, could hold a mental edge.
The question is, can he replicate that success in the rematch? Or will Lineker make the necessary adjustments to keep Andrade guessing? Tune in to ONE Fight Night 7 to find out.
