When hard-hitting knockout artist John “Hands of Stone” Lineker joined ONE Championship from the UFC in October of 2019, he knew his road to the ONE World Title would have to go through his Brazilian countryman, Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes.
Lineker is perhaps just one win away from realizing that goal.
Lineker is scheduled to face former Brave CF Bantamweight Champion and ONE Championship promotional newcomer Stephen “The Sniper” Loman in the main event of “ONE on TNT III.” The event is set to air on Wednesday, April 21 (April 22 in PH).
Surveying the landscape and weighing in all necessary factors, Lineker knows his shot at greatness is on the line here, which is why with the help of his team at American Top Team, Lineker has come up with a sound game plan to defeat Loman and earn a shot at the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion, Fernandes.
“When they told me that I would be fighting Stephen Loman, I immediately watched his fights. He is a very complete athlete. He likes to strike and go to the ground. However, there are some flaws in his game. Me and my team have already studied his style, and we’re ready to capitalize on some mistakes he could make,” said Lineker.
“After beating Loman, the only fight that would make sense for me is one for the title. It’s the dream that I’m fighting for. It will happen, if only Bibiano [Fernandes] stops running from me.”
Against Loman, Lineker faces a Team Lakay veteran from the Philippines known for his all-around fighting skills.
Lineker has already had firsthand experience in facing a member of Team Lakay previously, when he defeated former division king Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon by technical knockout in his most recent fight. The victory over Belingon earned Lineker #1-contendership at bantamweight.
Lineker has nothing but respect and kind words for Team Lakay, but he also vows that Loman will suffer the same fate as his teammate.
“Team Lakay is a great team, and I have a lot of respect for them. They have formed some great fighters, highly-skilled with their striking,” said Lineker.
“As everybody knows, I’m aggressive and this fight will not be different. I will seek the knockout all the time, and I can guarantee it’s going to be a great show.”
ONE Championship returns this Friday, March 5 with ONE: FISTS OF FURY II, and then on March 19 with ONE: FISTS OF FURY III, both pre-recorded events filmed in Singapore. It returns to live broadcast on Wednesday, April 7 (April 8 in PH) with “ONE on TNT I.”
