‘He Pushes The Pace, He Takes Risks’ – Demetrious Johnson Is A Big Fan Of MMA Rising Star Fabricio Andrade
Demetrious Johnson has competed against and trained alongside some of the best MMA fighters on the planet, so he has a strong eye for world-class talent.
The American believes there are many phenomenal athletes in ONE Championship, but one mixed martial artist, in particular, stands out to him – the next ONE Bantamweight World Title challenger, Fabricio Andrade.
Andrade, who is currently the #2-ranked contender, will challenge his Brazilian countryman and reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion John Lineker for the gold at ONE on Prime Video 3: De Ridder vs. Abdulaev on Friday, October 21.
Given the admiration he has for “Wonder Boy,” Johnson can’t wait to see how the bout plays out at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Johnson said:
“Fabricio Andrade, he’s f****** good. That fight is going to be sick between him and John Lineker.”
Johnson is known for an all-action, relentless style that never stops from the first bell to the last, and that has helped to build his reputation as the MMA GOAT.
“Mighty Mouse” views Andrade much in the same way. The Tiger Muay Thai representative’s willingness to take chances to score with his offense is part of what endears him to the American legend.
Johnson said:
“I really like Andrade. I really, really do. I think it’s the way he comes out and fights. He pushes the pace, he takes risks. I think that fight against John Lineker is going to be a great fight.”
Demetrious Johnson Previews The ONE Bantamweight World Title Fight
Fabricio Andrade has been flawless since making his ONE Championship debut in July 2020, posting a spotless 5-0 promotional record. What’s more, he knocked out his last three opponents in the first round.
Still, Demetrious Johnson knows “Wonder Boy” will be in for a tough night against the hard-hitting John Lineker on October 21, and he thinks one of the most crucial factors will be whether the challenger’s chin can hold up against the “Hands of Stone.”
Johnson said:
“I think it’s going to come down to when John Lineker’s going to land his punches, right? He’s going to land his big punches.
“Obviously, he has the power to knock out anybody, so it’s going to come down to whether Fabricio Andrade can, one, take the power, and two, utilize John Lineker’s big swings.”
Andrade is a slick operator on the feet, given his experience in Muay Thai and kickboxing prior to MMA, and Johnson thinks he can stay ahead of Lineker if he enters the ONE on Prime Video 3 co-main event with the right strategy.
However, that doesn’t mean to say “Wonder Boy” won’t become another victim to the concussive power of the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion.
Johnson offered:
“I think if Fabricio Andrade gets busy moving, has good footwork, good movement, and good feints, he could really draw out some of Lineker’s big shots. But I know someone’s going to get knocked down in that fight. That’s all I can say.”
