Fabricio Andrade admits he was "very comfortable" in first fight with John Lineker

Top-ranked bantamweight contender ‘Wonder Boy’ Fabricio Andrade admits that after shaking off the early jitters against John ‘Hands of Stone’ Lineker in their first meeting, he got more comfortable as the fight wore on.

By the middle of the second round, the 25-year-old from Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil was already in full stride and delivering an epic beatdown on the former ONE bantamweight world champion.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Fabricio Andrade talked about working himself into a groove in the first fight. He said:

“I was feeling very comfortable, very confident during the fight. I was pushing the pace and trying to finish him as soon as I could.”

Of course, that first fight was marred in controversy, after a knee from Andrade landed south of the border in the third round, forcing an abrupt end to the fight. It was later declared a No Contest, leaving the bantamweight belt vacant, and the division without a king.

Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker, however, are ready to run it back when they meet at ONE Fight Night 7 on Friday, February 24 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will be broadcast live and free to North American fans with an active Prime Video subscription.

If Andrade can beat the heavy-handed Lineker, it would leave no doubt who the true ruler of ONE Championship’s stacked bantamweight division truly is. Needless to say, ‘Wonder Boy’ is looking for a decisive finish this time around.

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Fabricio Andrade says John Lineker is his toughest opponent so far

At just 25 years of age, ‘Wonder Boy’ Fabricio Andrade has already established himself as one of the best bantamweight MMA fighters on the planet. On February 24, at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, the Brazilian star will have the chance to prove that he truly belongs among the elite.

After having fought and tested himself against John Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 3 late last year, Andrade has gotten a feel of what it’s like to be in the circle with his veteran counterpart. Lineker is widely viewed as one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport.

But despite Andrade acknowledging this and giving Lineker his props, ‘Wonder Boy’ is quick to remind fans that he and ‘Hands of Stone’ simply aren't on equal footing. He told ONE Championship:

“I believe he’s a very tough opponent, probably the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced. But he’s not on my level. I’m going to finish him as well.”

Many fans believe Andrade will indeed emerge victorious by night’s end, with ONE bantamweight gold wrapped around his waist. That being said, it would be foolish to count Lineker out, as the veteran striker could make just the right adjustments in the rematch to force a different outcome.