The highly anticipated second meeting between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade has been scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2023.
Lineker and Andrade first faced off at ONE on Prime Video 3 this past October, but the bout ended in a no-contest.
Now, the Brazilian MMA stars will settle their score in a ONE Bantamweight World Title fight at ONE on Prime Video 7.
ONE on Prime Video 7airs live in the U.S. primetime from the Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia.
John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade with Score to Settle
Lineker was the reigning bantamweight king heading into their first matchup, but the 31-year-old missed weight and was stripped of his belt as a result.
However, Andrade was still eligible to win the gold – and he gave his all to ensure it wasn’t a wasted opportunity.
Although Lineker scored some powerful punches, “Wonder Boy” did a great job of using his range and wide-ranging arsenal to rack up damage on his compatriot.
In round three, with “Hands of Stone” visually showing the scars of battle, Andrade went for the finish with a knee to the body that looked like it was the beginning of the end.
Unfortunately, the 25-year-old’s next knee went low, and Lineker could not continue.
Andrade had stated that he believes his rival “took the easy way out” when he knew he was going to lose, and he’s confident he’ll win the rematch even more definitely.
For his part, Lineker is adamant the illegal blow caused too much damage for him to keep fighting, but he is happy to do his talking in their second encounter.
Andrade’s performance earned him the #1 spot, and Lineker dropped to #2 in the updated ONE Athlete Rankings.
Of course, Lineker can never be counted out when he’s always one punch away from an emphatic victory.
With three months to go, each man will be in exceptional shape and armed with more knowledge about their opponent.
Those factors could make for a different dynamic when they square off for the vacant ONE Bantamweight world title in Jakarta.
Image Credits ONE Championship
