John Lineker is eager to get back on top of the bantamweight mixed martial arts mountain in ONE Championship, and he has the reigning king firmly in his sights. “Hands of Stone” established himself as the top contender to the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship after a brilliant win over #2-ranked Stephen Loman at last month’s ONE Fight Night 14. 

The Filipino rising star was touted to become the first challenger to Fabricio Andrade‘s throne, but Lineker made the most of his chance to prove he’s still a force in the division, outworking Loman over three rounds to get the unanimous decision win. 

The title John Lineker lost

The Brazilian veteran claimed the World Title from former longtime king Bibiano Fernandes at ONE: Lights Out in March 2022, after a stellar four-fight run upon his arrival in the world’s largest martial arts organization. Unfortunately, he lost the coveted strap before he could even defend it when he failed to make weight before his first meeting with Andrade at ONE on Prime Video 3 seven months later.

That match would end in a no-contest thanks to a low blow thrown by “Wonder Boy,” so the bantamweight bracket went without a champion for a few months. The OCS Jiu-Jitsu representative was completely outclassed by his younger compatriot in their second match this past February.

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He ultimately couldn’t answer the bell at the start of the fourth round, crowning Andrade as the new king. Lineker has scored back-to-back wins since that devastating loss, though, and he’s seeking another shot at the gold he lost. However, there’s no way to tell if he’ll get it anytime soon.

“I really want to fight for the title again. I want that belt,” he told ONE in an interview.  “That’s what I’m there for, to win the title. This is something every fighter seeks. As I was once champion, winning that title back would be incredible.” The former king will have to wait a bit for his chance, however, as Andrade is currently focused on claiming two-sport glory.

Will Lineker just have to wait?

On Friday, November 30, “Wonder Boy” will take on Muay Thai titleholder Jonathan Haggerty for the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event of ONE Fight Night 16 inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Also Read: “I Used It to Make a Good Recovery” – John Lineker Eyes a Strong Comeback After Finding New Motivation in His Intense Training Sessions

Whatever the outcome may be for Andrade, Lineker will be waiting in the wings for his shot at his MMA gold. And if fans have learned anything from their two previous encounters, it’s that they can expect a hard-hitting affair any time the two Brazilian bruisers square off.

Also Read: John Lineker Lays Down His Prediction for His Upcoming Matchup Against Stephen Loman ONE Fight Night 14