“Much better compared to what was before” - John Lineker stronger than ever as he puts weight issues behind completely

John Lineker is a veteran of more than 40 fights and has nearly 15 years of experience fighting inside a cage. While most fighters experience a drop in performance as their age catches up, ‘Hands of Stone’ is only getting better, capturing his first world championship at ONE: Light Out in March.

Knocking out ONE legend Bibiano Fernandes, Lineker became the ONE bantamweight world champion, reaching the pinnacle of a storied career that isn’t without its setbacks.

Prior to his rise to the top in ONE, John Lineker had a fairly successful run in North America, but found himself regularly struggling on the scale. On five separate occasions, ‘Hands of Stone’ missed weight.

That all changed with his move to the Asia-based promotion, whose weight classes and hydration rules ensure fighters compete at their natural weight classes and cut excess pounds as safely as possible.

With an undefeated record inside the circle and a world title around his waist, it’s safe to say the change has been a rousing success. During his appearance at the ONE virtual media day faceoffs, Lineker was asked how he feels today compared to where he was five years ago:

“I feel super good, much better compared to what was before. I feel well physically, I feel well emotionally, very confident, so yeah, I feel very good in my new condition.”

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After nearly 15 years in the cage, John Lineker is as dangerous as ever

If you look at John Lineker's career, the first impression you get might be that of a fighter in the twilight of a lengthy career. That’s only half true for ‘Hands of Stone’ who has undeniably had a long and successful career in MMA, but at 32 years old, Lineker has many more years ahead of him.

The king of the bantamweight division has reached that age where his mind and body have reached their peak. Matched with his incredible knockout power, John Lineker could very well be the greatest bantamweight fighter alive today.

He’ll get the chance to further prove that against a skeptical opponent in Fabricio Andrade who is not convinced that Lineker is the same man he was five years ago.

Responding to Andrade’s criticism and the question of whether or not he has slowed down his training regime, Lineker responded by saying:

“For sure not. I feel I’m in my best shape ever. I’m very ready, and I feel very capable.”