EXCLUSIVE | John Lineker Talks ONE’s U.S. Debut, Andrade Rematch

John Lineker has established a reign of terror in ONE Championship’s bantamweight division throughout his time at the Singapore-based promotion. 

The Brazilian consistently showcases the knockout power that has made him a mixed martial arts superstar inside the Circle, and he hopes to do it on U.S. shores in 2023.

ONE is scheduled to head west for the very first time on Friday, 5th May, bringing ONE on Prime Video 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III to the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, and the hope amongst the roster is it will the first in a long line of events in North America.

Lineker resides in the United States when training out of American Top Team in Florida, and he is well aware of the opportunity this provides for his teammates.

ONE has firmly made its mark as Asia’s biggest martial arts promotion, and “Hands of Stone” would jump at the chance to help the organization to further its brand in front of an American fanbase.

“ONE’s U.S. debut is great news for all of us fighters. And also for the event, which has been growing a lot around the world. It will be very good for us fighters in terms of sponsorship and visibility, among other aspects,” he said.

“It would be an honor [to be included] because most of my international fights were in the United States. 

“So, to be fighting again in the U.S. for ONE Championship would be amazing.”

John Lineker has a challenge ahead of him before he starts to think about anything else, however. 

The man with the granite jaw has a date with destiny set for Friday, 11th February, at ONE On Prime Video 7. That evening, he’ll meet fellow Brazilian Fabricio Andrade for the second time to compete for the vacant ONE Bantamweight World Championship

Their pair’s first meeting in October saw sparks fly in a combustible firefight, before an an unintentional low blow to Lineker brought a halt to proceedings. 

With the rematch set, all thoughts of American events ultimately go out the window for the 32-year-old powerhouse, as “Wonder Boy” and the gold are at the forefront of his mind.

“My focus now is to beat [Fabrício] Andrade,” Lineker revealed. 

“Let’s see after my fight and after the debut of ONE in the United States if any interesting opponents appear to fight in the next edition.”