“That will play to my advantage” - Alexey Balyko believes John Linker is underestimating him ahead of ONE Fight Night 25 showdown

Alexey Balyko is ready to play the spoiler this Friday in Bangkok. The Russian knockout machine believes John Lineker is underestimating him ahead of their bantamweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Fight Night 25 on Friday, U.S. primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Balyko said Lineker's perceived nonchalance would lead to the downfall of the former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion in Bangkok.

Alexey Balyko said:

"Yes, of course. I’m sure he’s underestimating me, and that will play to my advantage."

Lineker has been dubbed 'Hands of Stone' due to his terrifying boxing and penchant for sending people to the shadow realm.

A pure striker, Lineker owns seven wins in ONE Championship and has five concussive knockouts in the promotion.

Lineker, despite fighting his entire professional career in MMA, made his Muay Thai debut in September when he knocked out American star Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168: Denver at the Ball Arena.

Balyko, though, is no slouch between the ropes. The Tiger Muay Thai star has three wins in ONE Championship and has two highlight-reel knockout victories against Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin and Stefan Korodi.

Balyko's matchup against Lineker, and the entire ONE Fight Night 25 card is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

---

Alexey Balyko says he's unafraid of John Lineker's lethal striking

John Lineker is arguably the hardest puncher, pound-for-pound, in mixed martial arts. Alexey Balyko, however, doesn't care too much for Lineker's striking infamy.

The Russian star said Lineker can still be knocked out and that he has the power to stop the marauding Brazilian in Bangkok:

"Honestly, I don't see anything particularly dangerous about him. He's just a man like me. Though, surprisingly, he's shorter than me."