Former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion John Lineker’s first Muay Thai outing went off without a hitch at ONE 168: Denver, and his performance has opened up a world of new opportunities for him.
“Hands Of Stone” dispatched Asa Ten Pow via second-round knockout in Denver on Saturday, September 7, thrilling fans and fellow fighters alike.
Throughout his MMA career, the Brazilian has built a reputation for his devastating power, and he was happy to showcase it in his Muay Thai debut.
“I think I did very well, especially considering that my specialty is boxing. I managed to do everything I had planned, and I was very happy with the result,” Lineker said.
“We never know if we’re going to win by knockout or on points, but I always go for the knockout. And this fight was no different. I went in looking for the knockout the whole time, and I got it once again.”
“Hands of Stone” may have impressed in the “art of eight limbs,” but he remains adamant his primary goal is regaining the ONE bantamweight MMA world title.
That said, no harm can come from him basking in the limelight of his new sport, and Lineker has even thought of a couple of names that he’d like to be matched with, including previously rumoured dance partner, ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
“My focus is MMA. I don’t plan on switching to Muay Thai [permanently], but I want to do other Muay Thai fights. Just to stay active,” Lineker said.
“In Muay Thai, a fight against Rodtang would be interesting, and I think the fans would really enjoy watching it. I think it would be insane.
“A fight against Superlek [Kiatmoo9] or [Jonathan] Haggerty would definitely be crazy. It would be a war, I have no doubt about that. But the Muay Thai fight I have in mind would be against Rodtang. Because of the height and physical structure, this fight would be a great match. It would be a great show for the fans.”
