John Lineker To “Look For The Knockout” In Muay Thai Debut At ONE 168: Denver

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Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker has made a bold jump to the weight division's Muay Thai ranks, and he has vicious intentions on his mind when he debuts in the discipline at ONE 168: Denver.

"Hands of Stone" meets decorated American striker Asa Ten Pow in the art of eight limbs on Saturday, 7 September, inside Denver, Colorado's Ball Arena. There, Lineker plans to continue his legacy of highlight-reel knockouts. He won't rush for it, but if the opportunity strikes, so will he.

"It's going to be a very tough fight! It's going to be a great show because it's going to be all about striking. I'm going to do everything I can to neutralize his strengths and get my game right," the Brazilian said.

"I always look for the knockout, and it certainly won't be any different this time. 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."

Fans of ONE Championship are attracted to the promotion because of the number of combat sports disciplines on hand. As for the fighters, the different realms offer a unique opportunity to try their hand at other sports underneath the same umbrella. That's exactly the case with Lineker.

But his next chapter in the Muay Thai division won't be permanent. He plans to dip his toes in before returning to the all-encompassing sport of MMA. But the #1-ranked bantamweight MMA contender won't turn his nose up at opportunities to compete in other disciplines.

"I don't intend to move to Muay Thai, but I want to continue doing these special ONE fights. Now I'm going to fight in Muay Thai. But who knows, maybe later I'll fight in the submission grappling division or do a super-fight with special rules," Lineker said.

"Everything is on the table. I want to test myself more and more. But my focus is MMA. That's where I want to continue working."