“He has a very similar style” - John Lineker believes Alexey Balyko’s "dangerous" fists up to par with his dynamite hands

After a successful debut in the 'art of eight limbs' at ONE 168: Denver, John Lineker returns to action this Friday night for another striking scrap with dangerous Russian knockout artist Alexey Balyko.

After establishing himself as one of the best bantamweight mixed martial artists on the planet — bagging wins over Kevin Belingon, Bibiano Fernandes, Kim Jae Woong, and Stephen Loman — the former ONE world champion stepped into the world of Muay Thai last month and delivered a dominant showing against Asa Ten Pow in 'The Mile High City' of Denver, Colorado.

Instead of sitting back and admiring his handiwork, 'Hands of Stone' will get right back at it this Friday when ONE Championship returns to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video.

There, John Lineker will meet 23-win veteran Balyko in a bout that's guaranteed to deliver fireworks.

Speaking with the promotion ahead of their upcoming clash, Lineker offered up his assessment of Balyko's most dangerous weapon:

"I think what makes Balyko dangerous are his hands," Lineker said. "As I said, he has a very similar style to mine. He likes to use boxing more, so I believe that what is most dangerous in his game are his hands."

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John Lineker faces a tough test in his sophomore Muay Thai fight

With five knockouts in his last seven outings, John Lineker has been one of the most destructive fighters in ONE Championship. But this time around, 'Hands of Stone' may very well meet his match on martial arts' biggest global stage.

Making his fourth walk under the promotional banner, Alexey Balyko has earned highlight-reel finishes against Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin and Stefan Korodi, as well as adding a decision victory over Yod-Iq Or Pimolsri to his record.

The 31-year-old standout could make some serious waves in the world of Muay Thai if he manages to score a win against one of the bantamweight division's heaviest hitters.

ONE Fight Night 25 will air live via Amazon Prime Video in the United States and Canada on Friday, Oct. 4 in U.S. primetime.