“I Can Give My Family a Better Life”- An Emotional John Lineker Opens up About the Rewards of His Hard Work as a Mixed Martial Artist

Published 10/21/2022, 9:12 AM EDT

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John “Hands of Stone” Lineker brings heart, fire, and determination to his fights every time he steps inside the ONE Circle. 

And he will, undoubtedly, be displaying these traits in spades when he contests against Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 3 this Friday, October 21.

Lineker has fought with such tenacity throughout his career because he knew that his skill and talent could offer a better life for him and his family if he were to make it to the top. And now that he is there, the knockout machine is eternally grateful for everything the sport has given him.

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“MMA changed my life, mainly financially, and today I can give my family a better life. Of course, it was a great achievement in my career, and thanks to the title won, I earn a little more today,” he shared.

“People have also been looking for me more. I have given more interviews. I go out on the street, and people say, ‘Look at the champion.’ But, as a whole, it was MMA that changed my life, and the title was another achievement in my career.”

John Lineker opens up on the benefits of following a path in MMA 

The Brazilian superstar had a difficult childhood in Parana, Brazil, but all the will and endurance he gained through martial arts have allowed him to become an example of success to his five children at home.

And despite claiming the bantamweight gold against Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes at ONE: LIGHTS OUT earlier this year, Lineker admits that his new status hasn’t changed him. 

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He still trains at the same level, offers advice to his colleagues, and looks after his family. “I continued with my normal routine. The celebration was wonderful with friends and family. In fact, we are still celebrating because the achievement was very recent. It was my first World Title, so we are always talking about and remembering this achievement,” Lineker said.

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“But my days have been the same. I’m here with my animals, taking care of my horses, and spending time with my family. And like I said, we’re still celebrating the achievement. On the weekend, I go to a friend’s house or someone in the family, and we remember and talk about it.”

His humble mindset and killer instinct inside the ONE Circle have made him a likable figure among fans and his fellow athletes, and they can expect him to give everything in his battle on Friday – and remain gracious in victory or defeat.

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“Talk Less and Do More”- ‘Experienced’ John Lineker Alerts Opponent Fabricio Andrade Ahead of ONE on Prime Video 3

 

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Written by:

Kevin Binoy

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Kevin Binoy is a senior UFC author at EssentiallySports. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Fergusson College and has been covering sports professionally for over two years. Besides working with the MMA desk, Kevin is a core member of the organization's web stories team and is responsible for delivering engaging MMA web stories.
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