It hasn’t been long since ONE Championship fans last saw former MMA world champion John Lineker in action, but he’ll be strapping up the gloves again before they know it.
This week, it was announced that Lineker will take part in his second Muay Thai encounter when he meets Russian striker Alexey Balyko in a bantamweight battle at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Saturday, October 5 inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The Brazilian brawler, who has nearly 50 professional MMA bouts to his name, debuted in the “art of eight limbs” earlier this month at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado. He took on American striker Asa Ten Pow at the thrilling show and shocked the world by scoring a dominant second-round knockout win.
Having left the Circle with blistering momentum and not much damage, Lineker wasted no time in calling for his next bout, and he got it quickly.
“Hands of Stone” will get the chance to take his heavy-handed fight style to the home of Muay Thai next Friday. But he would be wise to be wary of his upcoming foe if he wants to find a second consecutive win in the striking art.
After all, Balyko has 23 career victories, with three coming under the ONE Championship umbrella.
The 31-year-old striking star doesn’t know how to participate in a boring fight, and the skills he has showcased so far in the world’s largest martial arts organization have certainly pegged him as a threat in the talent-laden bantamweight Muay Thai division.
In his latest promotional outing, at ONE Fight Night 23 in July, he knocked out Irish star Stefan Korodi inside the opening frame.
Balyko is known for his boxing-heavy style, relentless pressure, and ability to take a shot. But, interestingly, Lineker has made a reputation for having those same attributes.
Given this, and the fact that both men are coming off a win in ONE, it’s likely that they are going to put on a barnburner when they meet in Bangkok on 5th October.
