“Fabricio was better in the fight” - Bibiano Fernandes praises Fabricio Andrade’s performance against John Lineker

ONE Championship’s former bantamweight titleholder Bibiano Fernandes had nothing but praise for Fabricio Andrade’s stellar performance against John ‘Hands of Stone’ Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 3 in October.

Discussing the main event showdown between two of bantamweight’s best with The MMA Super Fan, Fernandes said:

“Fabricio is very long. He throws that left hand really well. The timing he has is pretty good. It was a good fight. John Lineker tried his best but Fabricio was better in the fight until the time he hit the [low blow].”

Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker delivered fans a hard-hitting two-and-a-half-round affair that unfortunately ended short of a new bantamweight world champion being crowned. After delivering a brutal knee to the body of Lineker, Andrade swarmed in smelling blood in the water. Attempting to capitalize, Andrade threw another knee that landed significantly lower than the first.

The action was paused as Lineker hit the canvas, clutching his groin in agony. Unable to continue, the fight was called off and deemed a no-contest, much to the frustration of fans watching around the world, along with Fabricio Andrade.

Both fans and fighters have clamored for a rematch between the two, but ONE Championship is yet to confirm what comes next for the bantamweight title picture.

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Bibiano Fernandes has moved on from his first knockout loss

When Bibiano Fernandes stepped into the Circle at ONE: Lights Out in March, he was away from competition for nearly two and a half years. That time away likely played a role in his shocking knockout loss, the first of his ONE career, to former bantamweight champion John Linker.

In only the second loss of his career inside the Circle, Fernandes has since made peace with the loss and used the experience to better himself physically and mentally. He's done so in preparation for his return against No. 5 ranked Stephen Loman at ONE on Prime Video 4 on Friday night.

"The first knockout I suffered in my career was a very quick one. But I didn't regret it. I got up and kept going. I kept training, focused, and corrected my mistakes. Regarding Lineker's fight, he hits hard and landed a good punch. But it was a nice fight. It happened and now, it's time to move on. It is not to be regretted. It's getting up and moving on."

Bibiano Fernandes’ next outing will air live and free in North America for Amazon Prime Video subscribers.