‘He Knows I’m Better’ – Andrade Expects To Hold Psychological Edge Over Lineker In World Title Rematch
Fabricio Andrade has some unfinished business with John Lineker – and he has no doubt about the outcome.
On Friday, February 24, four months after their first fight ended in a disappointing no contest, the two Brazilian superstars will square off in a rematch for the vacant ONE Bantamweight World Title.
That much-anticipated clash is set for the main event of ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, and Andrade is ready to show American primetime viewers and fans around the globe that he’s the undisputed king of the division.
From his perspective, “Wonder Boy” was just moments away from finishing Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 3 in October before an inadvertent low blow brought an unceremonious end to the encounter.
Seconds before Andrade threw the errant knee that shattered Lineker’s protective cup, he landed a rib-crunching body blow that seemed to put his foe on his last legs.
Looking back, the 25-year-old believes he was clearly the superior fighter. Now, he expects the rematch to go the same way.
Andrade told ONEFC.com:
“He will definitely prepare more now that he knows how good I am. But I believe this will not make a difference. Three months of training will not make him become another athlete. I know how he fights, he knows how I fight, and that won’t change for the rematch. So, I’m sure I’ll knock him out one more time.”
Beyond any physical advantages, “Wonder Boy” also thinks he owns the mental edge over Lineker after getting the better of their first matchup.
And in his opinion, that edge will make a big difference in the Circle.
Andrade explained:
“I think the fact that I came very close to ending the fight, that he was badly hurt in the fight, and that I defended all his attempts on the ground, makes a difference in the psychological factor. He knows I’m better than him. His chance of winning this fight is if something extraordinary happens. But we know that I’m the best athlete, that this is my moment, and that I’m going to be the champion.”
According to “Wonder Boy,” he’ll need less than 10 minutes to finish what he started and leave Bangkok, Thailand, as the undisputed ONE Bantamweight World Champion.
He said:
“This fight will end in a maximum of two rounds. And it will definitely end with me knocking out John Lineker one more time.”
Andrade Not Worried About Lineker Making Weight
In their first fight, only Fabricio Andrade was eligible to win the ONE Bantamweight World Title because John Lineker had failed to make weight and vacated the throne.
This time around, Andrade is sure the former titleholder won’t make the same mistake.
He said:
“[Linker] will definitely be more attentive with this weight issue. Nobody likes to be on time and not make weight. No one wants to look unprofessional. So, I believe he will be aware of his weight so that it doesn’t happen again.”
Still, the division’s #1-ranked contender isn’t stressed about his rival’s potential weight issues.
Whether or not “Hands of Stone” hits the bantamweight target, Andrade will accept the fight, and he’s confident the result will be the same no matter what.
“Wonder Boy” added:
“That doesn’t interfere with anything. I’m not worried about that. If he doesn’t make weight again, we’re going to fight anyway, and I’m going to knock him out.”
