John “Hands of Stone” Lineker, the former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion, is set to make his Muay Thai debut at ONE 168: Denver, taking place on Friday, September 6, inside Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Despite venturing into a new sport, Lineker remains confident and determined, ready to face the challenges of transitioning from MMA to Muay Thai.
Facing Asa “The American Ninja” Ten Pow, a seasoned Muay Thai fighter, Lineker approaches the bout with the same strategy that has earned him a fearsome reputation in MMA—his powerful, knockout-seeking punches.
"I always look for the knockout, and it certainly won’t be any different this time," Lineker stated in an interview with ONE Championship. "I’m going to look for the knockout all the time, round by round, and I hope I can do it. I see myself knocking out Asa Ten Pow because that’s what I like and that’s what I do when I step into the cage.”
Lineker’s confidence is rooted in his track record; he has secured 18 knockouts in his MMA career, solidifying his status as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. Known for his aggressive style and relentless pursuit of finishes, Lineker is diligently preparing for his opponent, who has proven himself a formidable knockout artist as well. Ten Pow, with his expertise in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing, presents a significant challenge, but Lineker is ready to neutralize his strengths and impose his game plan.
This bout is especially significant for Lineker as it marks his first Muay Thai competition on U.S. soil, a place where he has made a name for himself in MMA. His opponent, Asa Ten Pow, also carries a strong reputation in the U.S., having achieved success in multiple combat sports disciplines. Known for his striking versatility and tactical approach, Ten Pow began his martial arts journey at a young age and has since dedicated his life to mastering various fighting styles.
With both fighters bringing their unique strengths to the table, their clash at ONE 168 is an intense showcase of striking prowess. As Lineker steps into uncharted territory, fans eagerly await to see if his knockout power will translate into success in Muay Thai.
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