John Lineker reveals who inspired him to become a professional fighter

World-class bantamweight John Lineker recently revealed who inspired him to become a professional fighter back when he was just 12 years old.

'Hands of Stone' has carved out a heck of a career for himself—picking up highlight wins in both the UFC and ONE Championship. He told the promotion that a former WBO titleholder inspired him to pursue a career in combat sports:

"When I was 12 years old, I saw an article with Acelino ‘Popó’ Freitas where they told his life story. That’s when the dream of becoming a fighter arose."

John Lineker became world champion when he knocked out former long-time ONE bantamweight king Bibiano Fernandes last March. Unfortunately, Lineker missed weight in the lead-up to his first title defense last October, which forced him to vacate the belt before he even had a chance to defend it in the Circle.

Check out John Lineker's most insane ONE Championship highlights below:

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John Lineker claims to have a solution for Fabricio Andrade's Muay Thai prowess

The 32-year-old will now rematch Fabricio Andrade for the vacant bantamweight title at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video.

Despite being out-struck in their first meeting, Lineker claims to have a solution for his opponent's Muay Thai arsenal, telling ONE:

"Andrade is an excellent fighter, a tough guy, but for sure this new fight against him will be different. But like I said, even though he has good Muay Thai, I'm working a lot on the issue of distance to shorten it better and use my grappling. I'm also working on my movement in the cage. It will definitely make a difference."

'Wonder Boy' is an absolute stud on the feet—already owning three first-round TKOs inside the Circle—including a devastating liver kick finish over Kwon Won Il.

Still, Lineker is considered to be one of the hardest pound-for-pound strikers on earth. 'Hands of Stone' also boasts a trio of knockout wins under ONE's banner, including becoming the first man to ever finish Fernandes on the feet.

Make sure to tune in to ONE Fight Night 7 on February 24 to watch John Lineker rematch Fabricio Andrade for the vacant bantamweight title, live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Amazon Prime Video subscribers can catch the massive title fight live and for free this Friday night in U.S. primetime.