"Two great victories, two knockouts" - KO machine John Lineker grateful for explosive Muay Thai transition in 2024

John Lineker underwent a major change of direction in 2024 that has changed the way that he looks back on the year as a whole.

For many years, the Brazilian has been known as one of the top contenders in the bantamweight MMA division.

His trademark marauder style has always made him one of the most exciting contenders to watch and it has seen him achieve some incredible success as a former world champion.

At ONE 168: Denver in September, John Lineker stepped into the striking world for the first time by making his Muay Thai debut.

He hasn't looked back since after producing two stunning knockouts against Asa Ten Pow and Alexey Balyko in back-to-back outings.

The knockout specialist and former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion reflected on this in a recent interview with ONE Championship where he was incredibly grateful for this new phase of his career:

"I had a great year. I had these Muay Thai fights and it was a great experience, especially with two great victories, two knockouts. I had a wonderful year, professionally. I can only be thankful. I have to thank God and everyone who always believes in me. Let's go for more, we can't stop."

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John Lineker is a fantastic addition to Muay Thai

John Lineker has always been an entertaining fighter and putting him in Muay Thai rules has only continued that trend.

His constant pressure and heavy hands make him a perfect fit for this new venture which he will look to continue in his first fight of the new year at ONE Fight Night 27.

On Jan. 10 at Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium, he will look to make it three in a row when he takes on Kulabdam in a battle of explosive strikers.

Given both men's track records for closing the show early, this bantamweight Muay Thai classic in Thailand cannot be missed as ONE Championship kicks off 2025 with a bang.