“He can say whatever he wants” – Bibiano Fernandes Not Bothered by John Lineker’s Antics Prior to ONE: Bad Blood
Follow Us
ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes played down his rivalry with John “Hands of Stone” Lineker ahead of their main event showdown at ONE: BAD BLOOD this Friday, 11 February, in Singapore.
They engaged in confrontations before their initial meeting slated for December of last year. Lineker told media that Fernandes was past his prime and that the Brazilian world champion supposedly said he would be willing to engage Lineker in a street fight. While those verbal tirades did not stop, the 41-year-old mentioned a few days before his record 12th world title defense that no bad blood exists between the pair.
“There’s no rivalry. I have nothing against him. He is the one who wanted to create something that didn’t exist. I’m a professional. I’m there to fight. That was his way of earning a title shot. That’s my job,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“He can say whatever he wants, and when it’s time for a fight, I’ll do whatever I have to. I come forward and fight, and I hope it’s a great fight for the fans, too.”
Regarding Lineker’s views that he does not deserve the bantamweight throne, the Vancouver-based world titleholder responded that he is physically and mentally prepared to complete another successful title defense.
“I Have More Power” – Bi Nguyen Predicts Her Next Bout Against Lin Heqin at ONE: BAD BLOOD
“In relation to my heyday being over, it all depends on how the athlete takes care of the body, mind, and diet. All I know is that I’m going to make my 12th world title defense,” the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist revealed.
Bibiano Fernandes likes the matchup against John Lineker
The AMC Pankration mainstay has no time for mind games or smack talk. His only goal is to defend his bantamweight gold at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While most pundits believe that Lineker, the #1-ranked contender, could be Fernandes’ toughest test in his time at ONE, the champion with a 24-4 MMA record views “Hands of Stone” as just another challenger.
Trending
Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets
April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT
Exclusive: After Claiming He Can Beat Caitlin Clark 1v1, Iowa’s No.1 NFL Draft Prospect Cooper DeJean Comes Clean
April 25, 2024 03:12 PM EDT
Despite Strained Relationship, Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles Are on a Similar Journey With Their Struggles
April 25, 2024 01:46 PM EDT
Why Is Olivia Dunne Under Fire for Code Violation?
April 24, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“John Lineker is a good fighter. I liked it when they matched this fight with him, but it’s just another fight in my career,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH: 4’11” MMA Fighter Destroying Opponents in the Circle Set to Compete at One Bad Blood on Feb 11
Catch these two bantamweights in action at ONE: BAD BLOOD by downloading the ONE Super App. Fans in India can also watch the event live on Disney+ Hotstar, beginning with the lead card at 3:30 p.m. India Standard Time (IST) on Friday, 11 February. The main card broadcasts on the same channel at 6 p.m. IST.
Written by:
