ONE Fight Night 13: John Lineker Aims To Launch Bantamweight World Title Campaign

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It's been almost nine months since John Lineker parted ways with the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. But at ONE Fight Night 13, he plans to restart his journey to the division's pinnacle.

"Hands of Stone" returns on Saturday, 5 August, where he meets bantamweight newcomer and former top-five featherweight Kim Jae Woong in a contest that has fireworks written all over it.

As Lineker returns to contender status, a scrap with "The Fighting God" in Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is exactly the kind of contest he desires. With a win, he plans to remind the division why he is one of the deadliest strikers around.

"What excites me the most about this fight, regardless of the opponent, is that I have the opportunity to get back in the game and pursue my goal, which is to fight for the title again," Lineker said.

"I think that whatever fight I do from now on, what will excite and motivate me is this opportunity to seek the title again. So, regardless of the opponent, my goal is to fight for the title again."

Lineker has long been a fan favorite throughout his career. His brutish approach to combat has created memories that will live long in the minds of fight fans the world over.

The meshing of the two styles should make for unmissable action for as long as it lasts at ONE Fight Night 13, and Lineker views the fight in a similar fashion.

But while "Hands of Stone" expects a slugfest with the South Korean standout, the former ONE bantamweight king feels his superb, gritty striking will prove to be the catalyst in returning to winning ways.

"[Kim's] game is boxing. He plays more in the long distance. He's very versatile, he works well on takedown defenses, and he's also a guy who kicks a lot. But I believe that in striking, we will put on a show because we both like striking more," Lineker said.

"I believe I'll be able to fit my punches more, working hard on the punches in the waistline. As I said, he is a striker who works in the long distance, and I like to work more in the short distance. I believe that I can hit him more with my striking."