Kulabdam says a KO win over John Lineker at ONE Fight Night 27 proves he’s “good enough” to climb bantamweight Muay Thai ranks

Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai is acutely aware of the substantial opportunity that lies ahead if he can outmaneuver John Lineker in their upcoming bout.

The two warriors are set to clash in a bantamweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Fight Night 27, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, January 10.

The Thai hard-hitter is determined to secure a decisive victory over Lineker, a former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion who has revitalized his career in Muay Thai with two impressive wins in the striking discipline.

In a conversation with ONE Championship, Kulabdam expressed his belief that triumphing over a high-profile athlete like Lineker could finally earn him a coveted spot in the division’s rankings.

However, the 26-year-old acknowledges that a mere win may not suffice; he aims for a knockout against ‘Hands of Stone’ to solidify his place among the top five:

“If I can knock him out, I think I’m good enough to get into the bantamweight rankings and definitely climb up to the world title shot.”

Despite his extensive experience in ‘the art of eight limbs,’ Kulabdam cannot overlook his Brazilian opponent's recent success in Muay Thai.

Lineker first steamrolled American striker Asa Ten Pow in the second round of their September 2024 duel, and just weeks later, he made short work of Russia's Alexey Balyko.

Now, Lineker aims to extend his Muay Thai record to 3-0 at ONE Fight Night 27, a live event available for free to Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Kulabdam, John Lineker figure in a must-win bout

Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai and John Lineker will be closely monitoring the promotion’s upcoming event later this month.

Nabil Anane is set to face Nico Carrillo for the ONE interim bantamweight Muay Thai world championship on January 24 at ONE 170, taking place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

The victor of that bout will challenge lineal king Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a world title unification bout at ONE 172 on March 23.

Given the developments in the weight class, the matchup between Kulabdam and Lineker is undoubtedly a must-win for both fighters.