Former ONE bantamweight MMA world champion John Lineker continues to make a name for himself in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. He picked up another knockout victory at ONE Fight Night 25 last Friday, Oct. 4, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, against Russian standout Alexey Balyko.
'Hands of Stone' caught Balyko by surprise with his patented lunging left hook midway through the opening round for the first knockdown. After dropping the Tiger Muay Thai product again with another left hook, Lineker trapped Balyko against the ropes and ended the fight with a third monstrous left hand.
Watch the complete knockout sequence below, which ONE posted on YouTube:
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Lineker could not have had a better sophomore outing in the 145-pound Muay Thai division after earning his debut win in the art of eight limbs via knockout over Asa Ten Pow at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 inside the Ball Arena.
The OCS Jiu-Jitsu star received a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
John Lineker admits he did not scout Alexey Balyko ahead of ONE Fight Night 25
John Lineker chose to bet on his skills instead of reviewing Alexey Balyko's previous fights ahead of ONE Fight Night 25.
Speaking with ONE Championship, the 34-year-old Brazilian shared:
"To be honest, I don't really follow Muay Thai fights. I've always followed MMA fights more, especially the fights in my division, because I'm always analyzing my future opponents. So, I confess that I didn't follow this fight, and I also confess that I didn't know much about him."
Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 25 on demand.