"I'm happy for him" - Fabricio Andrade backing former foe John Lineker in impressive Muay Thai run

Fabricio Andrade has a lot of respect for an opponent that has helped to define his career up to this point. Every great champion needs their rivals, and 'Wonder Boy' always had a perfect counterpoint waiting for him at the top of the bantamweight division.

When Andrade made his way to the top, it meant colliding with his fellow Brazilian, then the bantamweight world champion, John Lineker.

The two men put on two great fights, with Andrade proving that he was the best in the division by displaying his excellent speed, striking, and footwork.

Though Lineker was able to bounce back by earning wins over Kim Jae Woong and Stephen Loman, his recent trajectory has gone a completely different direction.

The former champion has now earned back-to-back knockout wins competing in Muay Thai, and with a third win, he could emerge as a legitimate threat in this division.

At ONE Fight Night 27 on Jan. 10 in one of the most fan friendly matchups imaginable, Lineker will face off with Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai in a barnburner fight.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Fabricio Andrade commented on his former opponent's recent success and wished him the best:

"I'm happy for him in Muay Thai. I hope he can keep on doing what he's doing and impress."

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Fabricio Andrade has his own path to worry about

There may still be a time where Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker will face off once again because of how dangerous the former champion is.

However, for the time being, they have gone their separate ways, with Lineker moving into Muay Thai and Andrade also returning in January.

At ONE 170 on Jan. 24 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, he will put the ONE bantamweight world championship on the line in a rematch with Kwon Won Il.