John Lineker says being world champion goes both ways

Former ONE bantamweight champion John Lineker says being a world champion is a double-edged sword. With that, he doesn't think everyone's cut out for the added pressure.

'Hands of Stone' secured bantamweight gold with his second-round knockout over Bibiano Fernandes last March. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old didn't event get a chance to defend his throne as he missed weight prior to his planned first defense.

Still, John Lineker felt what it was like to be the hunted rather than the hunter. He spoke to MMA Sucka about the added responsibility of being world champ, stating:

"You being the champion, being the titleholder, is something very important. It’s a very good feeling, it’s something incredible. But it also becomes a very big responsibility. When you are the champion, you become the target of all other fighters. But it’s gratifying to know that other people want what you have."

The Brazilian has the chance to get his belt back in a fight for the vacant world title against Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video.

Check out John Lineker's title-winning performance against Bibiano Fernandes:

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John Lineker says he was upset that he lost his belt over a "silly miscalculation"

Missing weight ahead of his first title defense will always haunt Lineker. He told ONE that he was incredibly upset to lose the belt over a miscalculation, saying:

“Losing the title for a silly thing, for a miscalculation I made at the weigh-ins, made me very upset. I wasn't suffering to lose weight, it wasn't lack of professionalism or lack of training. It was silly and made me very upset, even because of the history I already had.”

Lineker has struggled to make weight throughout his long career. While it looked like his troubles were way behind him after signing with ONE Championship, it came back to haunt him in his last fight.

He'll surely do everything he can to make weight in his rematch with Andrade.

Make sure to watch John Lineker attempt to get his belt back against fellow top contender Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 7 on February 24, live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

All the action will be broadcast live and for free on Prime Video for all Amazon subscribers across North America.