Fabricio Andrade admits John Lineker is "a nice guy" but will still go for the knockout

According to Fabricio Andrade, there’s no ill will towards John Lineker. But at the end of the day, it’s just business.

‘Wonder Boy’ Fabricio Andrade and ‘Hands of Stone’ John Lineker both passed their weight and hydration tests on Thursday, so the fight will continue as scheduled. Both bantamweights have been working hard to make this happen since their first match in October ended in a no contest.

Andrade, in particular, is stoked to pick up exactly where he left off a few months ago. Now that they’re in fight week, ‘Wonder Boy’ and Lineker have had a chance to talk behind the scenes and the Brazilian phenom had nothing but good things to say about Lineker’s character.

Speaking to MMA Underground, this is what Andrade had to say about his rival:

“Yeah I think he’s patient you know, he was really patient and he’s a nice guy. We talked before the fight. He came to talk to me and he was really nice. But it is what it is. In the cage it’s all business. I want to knock him out, he wants to knock me out.”

Catch the full interview below:

Of course, Andrade was frustrated and angry about how the first match ended at ONE on Prime Video 3. On his way to winning, he misculated a knee to the body and caught John Lineker below the belt.

Up until that point, the fight was going according to Andrade’s plan. His striking had found its mark and he looked comfortable picking Lineker apart with jabs from the outside. The Brazilian veteran had absorbed so much damage that by the third round, his right eye was completely swollen shut.

Oozing with confidence, ‘Wonder Boy’ is excited to put on another show for the fans, but this time without any accidents.

American fans can watch ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II this Friday, February 24, live and for free with an Amazon Prime subscription.

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Despite the hardships, Fabricio Andrade always believed he would get far in his career

Growing up, Fabricio Andrade always felt that combat fighting was his calling.

Introduced to the sport through a friend, he recalled how good it felt to be loved and praised by the people around him whenever he would showcase his skills in Muay Thai.

But his MMA journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It took many years of sacrifice and hardship to get to where he is today. Still feeling surreal about the whole thing, Andrade continues to feel grateful every day for being able to accomplish the career he always wanted.

Fabricio Andrade told ONE:

“Every day I wake up, and I still can’t believe everything that’s happening in my life and how far I’ve come. But what excites me the most is that I always knew I would make it, even with all the difficulties.”