3 reasons why John Lineker can make it three knockouts in a row vs. Kulabdam at ONE Fight Night 27

All eyes will be on John Lineker and his 'Hands of Stone' come ONE Fight Night 27 as he squares off against 'Left Meteorite' Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai in a bantamweight Muay Thai matchup.

The Brazilian veteran has left a lasting impression across his pair of Muay Thai battles in ONE Championship, with two performance bonus-winning KOs against fellow striking machines Alexey Balyko and Asa Ten Pow within 29 days.

If everything goes to plan for the 34-year-old, another quick night out could be on its way on Jan. 10 inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

But in case there are any doubts, here are three reasons to believe why the promotion's latest two-sport superstar could add another victim to his ever-growing list of fighters he's finished.

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#1. John Lineker's 'Hands of Stone' are always a touch away from a KO

Nothing excites a crowd more than a fighter with one-punch knockout power capable of producing that jaw-dropping, majestic, and spectacular match-winning moment.

John Lineker checks this box without much fuss.

Never mind his potent hands and track record for securing a plethora of KOs in MMA, the former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion has used it to great success in a field that was completely new to him on martial arts' biggest stage in 2024.

On paper, Kulabdam's efficiency and firepower may match that of John Lineker's. 'Left Meteorite' is also undeniably his toughest test to date in 'The Art of Eight Limbs.'

There, however, still is a big glaring question in play for the Thai, who has been knocked out thrice in the organization: How long can he tango with the Brazilian's missile-like fists always one touch away from mayhem?

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#2. The Brazilian's ability to withstand the most brutalizing shots

John Lineker has yet to be knocked out in almost 50 career fights, though there is that TKO loss to Fabricio Andrade in their ONE bantamweight MMA world title matchup, where he was unable to come out for the fifth round.

However, in line with the point above, the Brazilian veteran survived one wave of attack after another.

His chin was tested at maximum capacity, be it from 'Wonder Boy's' knees, fists, or elbows. Still, nothing could put the battle-tested veteran completely down.

Even against proven knockout merchants like Kim Jae Woong, Kevin Belingon, John Dodson, and Muin Gafurov, the 34-year-old rallied on despite being put in a few tricky spots.

As apt of a fight name as 'Hands of Stone' is, Lineker could introduce 'Chin of Granite' as an alternative. His resume is a perfect proof to that, after all.

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#3. His eye to recognize an opportunity to go in for the kill

While some armchair critics would attribute John Linker's knockout rate to the luck of the draw, there's certainly no fluke involved in attaining 18 finishes, 20 including his pair in Muay Thai.

Sure, 'Hands of Stone' charges down at his opposite number behind wild punches, swinging profusely in the hopes of landing that one decisive blow. But it sure as hell takes a good eye to sense the perfect time to land that money shot.

John Lineker has done this ever so well over the past 18 years, and his ability to find the perfect punch doesn't look like it is about to slow down despite his advancing age.

The OCS Jiu-jitsu athlete hopes that will be the case once more come ONE Fight Night 27.

Based on the points above, it's easy to see why Kulabdam might yet be the latest victim to fall to the enormous power that Lineker's 'Hands of Stone' possesses.

ONE Fight Night 27, emanating live from the Lumpinee Stadium, will be available live in U.S. primetime for free to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America on Jan. 10.