“I also have an iron chin and iron bones” - John Lineker shuts down doubts on his ability to withstand damage

John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade are just days away from touching gloves at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, before that day comes, Lineker wants to shut down any doubts about his ability to withstand damage, no matter what promises Andrade has made.

Their seven-month rivalry has sparked massive attention across all disciplines and everyone will be tuning in to watch the two Brazilians settle it inside the circle at ONE on Prime Video 3.

In their final attempt to win the support of their fans before fight night, ONE Championship held a virtual press conference with both fighters present. In one of the exchanges, John Lineker was asked about Andrade knocking him out in the opening round. ‘Hands of Stone’ stoically replied:

“I don’t only have an iron fist, I also have an iron chin and iron bones. He may dream a lot but he really has to come after me and hit me hard, otherwise he won’t take me down.”

Fabricio Andrade doesn’t believe Lineker has a good chin. His argument stems from the fact that Lineker got dropped by a single left hook in his previous fight with Bibiano ‘The Flash’ Fernandes, who isn’t a striker by nature but a grappler. Although Lineker narrowly escaped danger against Bibiano, he recovered and returned the favor with a hammering left hook of his own.

‘Hands of Stone’ has been fighting in the industry long before Andrade turned pro. With questions surrounding his durability, it’s ironic that Lineker has yet to be knocked out. He remains unbeaten with a record of four wins under the promotion and is therefore more than willing to take Andrade up on that challenge on October 21.

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John Lineker predicts a third-round finish over Fabricio Andrade

John Lineker anticipates an all-out striking war with Fabricio Andrade, but promises his younger rival won’t see past the third round.

Besides having iron hands and iron bones, John Lineker is just as proficient on the ground as he is in his striking. Since Andrade trains at Tiger Muay Thai, where they focus a lot on striking, ‘Hands of Stone’ believes he’s got the right tools to finish him on the ground if the fight calls for it.

He previously told ONE Championship:

“This fight will definitely have a lot of striking, and it will be very exciting. He’s going to want to kick me a lot, come in with his knee, but I’m prepared for anything, both striking and on the ground. I see myself finishing him off in the third round.”