3 reasons why the Fabricio Andrade vs. John Lineker rematch will be different

The upcoming rematch between 'Wonder Boy' Fabricio Andrade and 'Hands of Stone' John Lineker will finally settle the score between the two dangerous bantamweight dynamos.

The first fight saw the 25-year-old Andrade have success on the feet in a close back-and-forth war. An accidental illegal groin strike caused the bout to end as a no contest.

Now, fans are looking forward to the world title rematch at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, booked for February 24. All the action from the event will be broadcast live and for free on Prime Video for all Amazon subscribers across North America.

With the vacant ONE bantamweight world championship on the line for the second time, this match will be nothing like the first. Below are three reasons why the Fabricio Andrade vs. John Lineker rematch will be different.

---

#3. It will likely not end with a low blow

To the disappointment of fans worldwide, the first fight ended in an accidental illegal low blow. Fabricio Andrade is an expert in targeting and has won fights by utilizing powerful body strikes. But against Lineker, he strayed slightly south of the border...

'Hands of Stone' Lineker and Andrade both want a definitive end to their series. With that, their world title match must end conclusively and decisively with one of these Brazilian fighters as the new ONE bantamweight world champion.

Suffice to say, the ending will almost certainly be more conclusive than their no contest last year.

---

#2. John Lineker will change his strategy

'Hands of Stone' John Lineker is a veteran fighter with nearly 50 fights in his professional career. The heavy handed Brazilian can utilize all of his ability to adjust his game plan.

Now that he has felt the speed of Andrade, he knows exactly how to train and counter his opponent's game. Additionally, he had success with takedowns against 'Wonder Boy'.

With a focused game plan mixing high and low strikes with takedowns, the experience of Lineker may be able to win the day. Additionally, 'Hands of Stone' is highly motivated to win back his lost throne.

Given that, it's unlikely that Andrade will deliver the same kind of dominance a second time around.

---

#1. Both men will know what to expect from each other

John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade entered their first fight nervous and uncertain. Now, they know exactly how the other fighter moves and reacts. The feeling-out period is over, and it's time for war.

Both men know their opponent's strengths and weaknesses. The match will be decided by who best can neutralize the other's strengths and exploit the weaknesses they felt in the first match.

While speaking to The MMA Superfan, Fabricio Andrade discussed John Lineker, saying:

“For me, it doesn't really matter what he's training or what he's going to try to do. I don't really care what my opponent is doing. The focus for me is to keep getting better, to keep improving in every area. So, of course, when I step in for an MMA fight, I'm ready to defend a takedown [until] the last fight.”

Check out the video below for the full interview: