He will regret it later: Lineker warns Andrade about trash talk

ONE Bantamweight World Champion John Lineker may be defending his belt from #2-ranked contender Fabricio Andrade this weekend at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but “Hands of Stone” has been unfazed by anything his Brazilian compatriot has thrown at him. 

That includes all the trash talk that “Wonder Boy” has posted online ahead of their main event matchup at ONE Fight Night 3: Lineker vs. Andrade on Saturday, 22 October.

“[He] doesn't bother me at all. If that's the way he likes to promote fights, I like to show it on top of the Circle. I don't like to keep talking. But I can take ‘chicken’ and use it positively, as if he was calling me a fighting cock, that big rooster. But none of that bothers me. I take it all in stride. I like to get in the cage and show my work. I think talking is nonsense. We have to resolve it inside the Circle,” Lineker said.

“In fact, any opponent who talks nonsense about me only motivates me. I'm more motivated to get into the Circle and do my best. So, opponents who do this kind of trash talk end up regretting it later, because instead of irritating me, they are motivating me even more.”

ALSO READ | ONE Fight Night 3: Fabricio Andrade says that he is more than ready for Lineker

The 32-year-old has the right to be confident, even against a hard-hitting challenger like Andrade. Lineker holds a 35-9 record in MMA, with 21 of those wins coming via finish. 

In addition to a set of heavy hands that have helped him knock out 17 opponents, the defending ONE World Champion also holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Lineker is the complete package when it comes to mixed martial arts.

This will be helpful when he faces Andrade, who has picked up subsequent first-round knockouts in his last three bouts. Moreover, the 25-year-old is undefeated within the Circle and has a hefty striking background that has helped him pick up a seven-fight winning streak.

Despite this, the American Top Team athlete remains focused on doing what he does best – winning fights.

“My fighting style, my aggression when I get in the cage, is natural. That's what I do every day. It's all natural, I don't invent anything, don't do anything different in the fight than I do in training,” he said.

“Of course, with each fight we evolve and, naturally, we become more cautious and conservative, but I don't feel any pressure. I won't hold back because now I'm the champion. I'm going to get in the cage and I'm going to do what I know how to do best, which is to put on a show and go forward all the time. I'm focused on that, on putting on a show for the fans.”

ALSO READ | ONE Fight Night 3: Lineker Advises Andrade To Talk Less And Do More

Catch the lead card of ONE Fight Night 3: Lineker vs. Andrade on Saturday, 22 October, on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Select 1 at 5:30 a.m. IST. The main card will follow on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Select 1 at 7:30 a.m. IST.

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