John Lineker says weight issues in last fight "won’t happen again"

Former ONE bantamweight world champion John Lineker has assured that the weight struggles that cost him the title is already a thing of the past. With that, he's promised to be in fighting shape in his circle return.

'Hands of Stone' is set to battle Fabricio 'Wonder Boy' Andrade in an all-Brazilian rematch for the vacant bantamweight world title at ONE Fight Night 7 on February 24 in Bangkok.

The bout is a redo of their first world title encounter last October, which ended in a no contest. Lineker was unable to continue after absorbing an accidental strike in the groin in the third round.

But even before the fight started, things had already turned sour for the American Top Team affiliate. He was stripped of the belt for failing to keep his weight within the bantamweight level.

Reports have it that John Lineker missed weight twice at the weigh-ins, leaving him with no choice but to let go of the world title and deprive himself of the chance to reclaim it even in the event of a win last time around.

In the lead-up to his rematch with Andrade, he's insisted that a repeat of the fiasco will not happen. He told Sportskeeda MMA:

“That's not a problem for me. ONE weighing method is the best, it has no emotional stress. I haven't suffered from it. Unfortunately, it happened, but it won't happen again. I am focused and prepared for this situation.”

ONE Fight Night 7 will happen at the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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John Lineker admits he was surprised by Fabricio Andrade’s chin

John Lineker was surprised by the durability that Fabricio Andrade showed in their first encounter and is working on coming up with a counter for it in their rematch later this month.

'Hands of Stone' managed to connect on some solid and powerful hits on 'Wonder Boy' in their previous fight, but Andrade did not waver and instead went on to dominate the contest.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, John Lineker said it is these strong suits of his opponents that they are working on in the lead-up to the redo.

He said:

“He's a tough guy and he surprised me in [the first] fight, because he showed himself to be a guy who can take the hits. But now we are working hard on these strong points and we are going in search of this victory.”

Their first fight ended in a no contest after just three rounds as John Lineker was unable to continue, reeling from an accidental strike on the groin. They will now settle the score on February 24 in Bangkok.

Prior to the sorry outcome last time around, John Lineker was on a roll, winning four straight matches. It is a feeling he wants to revisit soon.