Former ONE Bantameight MMA World Champion John Lineker is set to continue his odyssey in the sport of Muay Thai at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II.
After making a successful debut in “the art of eight limbs” earlier this month, “Hands of Stone” has drawn Alexey Balyko for his next assignment on October 4. This time, it’ll be at the sport’s mecca, the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lineker crushed long-time Muay Thai standout Asa Ten Pow in his first striking-only battle at ONE 168: Denver. In typical fashion, the Brazilian’s heavy hands were the difference maker as he simply overwhelmed his American foe inside two rounds.
It’s been an interesting year for Lineker. In January, the 34-year-old stepped in on short notice for an openweight MMA fight against former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Shinya Aoki, a fight that he lost by submission.
Prior to that, he had reeled off wins over divisional contenders Stephen Loman and Kim Jae Woong in his native bantamweight MMA division.
Balyko looms as another tough test of Lineker’s striking credentials.
The Russian has won three of his four fights under the ONE banner, including a pair of knockouts over Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin and Stefan Korodi.
Like Lineker, the 31-year-old has sharp boxing and genuine knockout power, setting the scene for a pulsating battle between the duo.
ONE Fight Night 25 is headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Alexis Nicolas and the man he dethroned this past April, long-time former divisional king and current lightweight Muay Thai divisional ruler, Regian Eersel.