“It is like a special moment” - Fabricio Andrade relishes world title opportunity opposite John Lineker

Fabricio Andrade predicted a first-round finish against John Lineker after reflecting on the opportunity ahead of him at ONE on Prime Video 3.

Andrade’s first main event and title fight will be on the same night. ‘Wonder Boy’ also finds himself going up against a well-known name in the combat sports community. Unlike other fights, the opportunity to emerge as a superstar has added pressure on the Brazilian.

During ONE on Prime Video 3 media day, Andrade opened up about the opportunity in front of him, saying:

“I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time. To get here, it is like a special moment. I’m looking forward to finishing this upcoming fight in the first round.”

Andrade started his professional MMA career with a record of 3-2. The former Muay Thai fighter then signed with ONE Championship, quickly emerging as a potential contender.

‘Wonder Boy’ followed up his first two wins with the promotion by taking out three straight opponents in the first round before being matched up against Lineker, who secured his place on the throne by knocking Bibiano Fernandes out earlier this year.

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Fabricio Andrade says he wanted to fight John Lineker with or without a title

The feud between Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker started before a world title was on the line.

‘Wonder Boy’ continuously called out ‘Hands of Stone’ before he became the bantamweight champion. During the ONE on Prime Video virtual faceoff interviews, Andrade said this about fighting Lineker:

"I’m more than ready. We all know that I am the guy who has been calling for this fight for a long time, even before he was a champion. I want this fight, it’s a fight I want. It doesn’t matter if it's for a title or not, I’ve always wanted to beat him, and now it’s happening. So I’m more than ready and more than excited to fight him."

The buildup to the Lineker vs. Andrade matchup has felt endless. Both fighters have vowed to continue moving forward and striking, which could lead to a Fight of the Year candidate. The question is, who will walk away with the bantamweight title?

Watch the John Lineker vs. Fabricio Andrade face-off interview below: