“The job is done with Alexey” - John Lineker glad to chalk up another highlight reel KO following utter domination of Alexey Balyko

John Lineker has been enjoying the newest chapter of his professional career as he found a new home under ONE Championship's stacked Muay Thai field.

The former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion racked up his second straight win in the discipline when he knocked out fellow heavy-hitter Alexey Balyko at ONE Fight Night 25 this past weekend at Lumpinee Stadium.

Lineker was a house on fire during the Bangkok showdown and he unleashed his raw power when he dropped Balyko three times in the opening round for the knockout win.

In an interview with Nic Atkin for Bangkok Post, John Lineker said he was proud to not only take the win but also secure another knockout finish in ONE Championship.

He said:

"I’m very happy the job is done with Alexey. One more knockout, so even happier."

Lineker started his professional career in MMA, but his hard-hitting style has translated well into Muay Thai.

'Hands of Stone' made his professional Muay Thai debut in a second-round knockout finish of American star Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168: Denver in September at Ball Arena.

Despite his relative inexperience in the sport, Lineker's raw power has carried him well and he believes he has what it takes to develop steadily in the 'art of eight limbs'.

---

John Lineker adamant that his main focus is on MMA, but finds himself having fun in Muay Thai

John Lineker may be finding early success in Muay Thai, but the Brazilian knockout machine is adamant that his main career focus is continuing his MMA journey.

The 34-year-old is the number-one contender in the bantamweight MMA division, and he plans to challenge ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade for the gold soon.

Nevertheless, Lineker admitted he's taken a liking to Muay Thai's striking nature.

Lineker said in his post-fight interview at ONE Fight Night 25:

"Yeah, my focus is on MMA, but I'm really enjoying fighting in Muay Thai, you know, especially because this is more striking. So I don't need to be worried when they want to take me down, this kind of thing. But my focus is MMA."