‘I Can Only Be Thankful’ – Two-Sport Star John Lineker Recaps An Unforgettable 2024
In 2024, John “Hands of Stone” Lineker cemented himself as a legitimate two-sport superstar.
A former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion renowned for his seemingly unmatched punching power, the Brazilian knockout artist made his unexpected foray into Muay Thai this past year and immediately sent shockwaves across the martial arts world.
At ONE 168 in September, Lineker made his debut in “the art of eight limbs,” where he starched American standout Asa Ten Pow with a jaw-shattering right hand.
The Brazilian returned just a few weeks later at ONE Fight Night 25 in October. That evening, he finished talented Russian brawler Alexey Balyko in equally devastating fashion to solidify himself as a threat in ONE Championship’s ultra-tough bantamweight Muay Thai division.
Looking back on his unforgettable year on the global stage, Lineker is profoundly grateful for the success he achieved.
He told onefc.com:
“I had a great year. I had these Muay Thai fights and it was a great experience, especially with two great victories, two knockouts. I had a wonderful year, professionally. I can only be thankful. I have to thank God and everyone who always believes in me. Let’s go for more, we can’t stop.”
Outside of fighting, the 34-year-old continued to settle into his role as a father.
While he might be regarded as MMA’s most powerful pound-for-pound puncher, Lineker puts his ruthless finishing instincts to the side when he’s with his wife and children.
In fact, he said that the opportunity to watch his young daughter grow was the most important gift he received in 2024:
“What made my year so good in 2024 is being with my family, being able to see my daughter grow and develop, and that is wonderful to me. Being able to see her developing and learning things every day is priceless. So, I think that was the main thing. I was able to enjoy everything that I have been receiving from God in my work.”
What’s more, Lineker grew spiritually in the past year.
“Hands of Stone” spent much of 2024 strengthening his relationship with God, which he believes has improved his day-to-day life in immeasurable ways.
The Brazilian continued:
“I also experienced growth in my spiritual life, learning more about God and seeking God more in my life, so this has made my life better every day. It was a wonderful year – a year of learning about God, a year of growing in God, and as I said, being able to be with my family, with my children, and with my little one, seeing her growth and development. These are the things that make my days, and not just my year, very happy.”
John Lineker Targets MMA And Muay Thai Gold
John “Hands of Stone” Lineker is planning for two-sport greatness in 2025.
First, at ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev on Prime Video in U.S. primetime on January 10, he’ll face his stiffest Muay Thai test yet when he squares off with former two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion “Left Meteorite” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai.
The Brazilian’s primary goals in the coming year are to reclaim the bantamweight MMA crown he previously held and, if things go well against Kulabdam, take a shot at the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
He said:
“In 2025, I want to have more fights. I want to have great fights and go for the belt, to be champion [in MMA] again. And who knows, maybe I’ll try my hand at a title fight in Muay Thai? Of course, everything will depend on my next fight, but I have it in my mind, to get a possible title shot in Muay Thai.”
Despite his meteoric rise through the world of Muay Thai, Lineker remains focused on bantamweight MMA gold.
Reigning titleholder Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade is slated to defend his belt against the division’s #3-ranked contender, Kwon Won Il, in a rematch at ONE 170 in Asia primetime on January 24.
Lineker – who is the current #1-ranked bantamweight MMA contender – said that he’d be happy to face either man so long as there’s 26 pounds of gold on the line.
He added:
“I also want to focus on the MMA belt. Fabrício Andrade will put his title on the line and will defend it against Kwon Won [Il]. So, that’s all I hope for 2025. Next year will definitely be better than 2024, but I have nothing to complain about. It was a wonderful year in my life. But we strive for the best every day, and that’s what I’m going to do in 2025 – improve and dedicate myself more than I’ve been dedicating myself. I want to be MMA champion again and try to fight for a title in Muay Thai as well.”
