‘A Test Of Fire’ – John Lineker Braces For Toughest Muay Thai Fight Yet Against Kulabdam
Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker will continue his incredible climb up the bantamweight Muay Thai ladder when he squares off with decorated Thai star “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam at ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev on Prime Video.
That thrilling matchup will air live in U.S. primetime this Friday, January 10, and it will mark Lineker’s third career fight in “the art of eight limbs” at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The heavy-handed Brazilian has taken the Muay Thai world by storm, scoring highlight-reel knockouts over top strikers Asa Ten Pow and Alexey Balyko to establish himself as one of the sport’s most electrifying and dangerous athletes in just a matter of months.
However, Lineker knows he’s in for his most difficult challenge yet against Kulabdam, a former two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion with more than 70 Muay Thai and kickboxing wins on his resume.
“Hands of Stone” spoke to onefc.com about what his foe brings to the table:
“I’ve been following Kulabdam. I’ve watched some fights, and he’s a guy who has a very versatile game, a dangerous guy. I believe it will be a test of fire for me.
“Kulabdam is a guy who grew up doing Muay Thai. He was practically born doing Muay Thai. In Thailand, you are born training Muay Thai, so it will definitely be a big test for me.”
Indeed, “Left Meteorite” represents the highest level of Muay Thai technique and skill.
Lineker admits that he likely can’t compete with the Thai when it comes to classic Muay Thai exchanges, but he’s also confident that his own ruthless boxing attack and other-worldly power will make the difference – just as it did in his first two appearances:
“Our styles are very different. I use my boxing more, and he uses Muay Thai, so they are different styles. Let’s say that this fight will be a clash of styles, me with boxing and him with Muay Thai. It will certainly be a great fight!
“Without a doubt, the most dangerous weapons I bring to this fight are my ‘hands of stone.'”
Never one for complex game plans, the 34-year-old knockout artist has taken a straightforward approach to Muay Thai so far: swing for the fences at every available opportunity.
Against Kulabdam, he plans to do exactly that. And, even if he doesn’t secure the KO, he promises that fans will leave Lumpinee Stadium happily entertained.
Lineker said:
“As in all my fights, I go into the ring to win by knockout. I don’t like to leave it in the hands of the judges. So it won’t be any different in this fight. I just can’t say for sure which round it will be, but I’m going to be looking for the knockout all the time.
“You can be sure that I’m going to get in the ring and put on another show for all my fans.”
Lineker Discusses Potential Muay Thai Fight Against Rodtang
Given John Lineker’s meteoric rise in Muay Thai and his all-action style of striking, many fans are clamoring to see him throw down with former longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
After all, both men are fearless, forward-marching brawlers, which is a recipe for a barnburner. Just like the fans, Lineker is hoping for a future matchup with the Thai megastar:
“Yes, I intend to fight Rodtang someday because of his fighting style, the way he likes to fight, which is the same as mine.
“We like to stand in the middle of the ring and exchange punches until one of us falls. It would be a great fight against him. His style is what I like to see, and it’s the style I like to put into practice when I step into the ring.”
“Hands of Stone” doesn’t just want to share the ring with Rodtang – he thinks he can beat him.
Lineker was quick to give “The Iron Man” his due praise, but he is nonetheless certain that he could get the better of the Thai at his own game:
“He’s a great professional, a great fighter, but I know how to do it too. I’ve been fighting since I was 12 years old, and I’ve always gotten into the ring to beat my opponents. With Rodtang, it would be no different.
“I think I’m capable. In fact, everyone who goes into the ring has this mindset of coming out with the win, so I don’t think differently. I’ve never underestimated anyone, and it won’t be Rodtang that I’m going to underestimate. He’s a great athlete, but I know my potential, and I know what I can do.”
