ONE Fight Night 7: Andrade Ready To Finish Lineker In Bid For Bantamweight Belt

Bangkok, February 10: Fabricio Andrade has been waiting for his moment of glory. This time, "Wonder Boy" may finally get it at ONE Fight Night 7 where he faces familiar foe.

The 25-year-old rematches former ONE Bantamweight World Champion John Lineker in a bid for the vacant title on Saturday, 25 February, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two will settle the forces of fate that made their first battle at ONE Fight Night 3 in October of last year a disaster, and Andrade is hopeful he leaves the Circle as the new divisional champ.

"I think the fact that I came very close to ending the fight, that [Lineker] 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," he said.

"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."

Prior to the bantamweights' first meeting, the two exchanged many jabs at one another via social media. Andrade antagonized Lineker plenty online, as he made comments about the 32-year-old's capabilities and personality.

Then, the heat between the two intensified once fight week was underway. Lineker unfortunately missed weight, and he was stripped of the strap before ever entering the Circle. This situation made it so only Andrade was eligible to take home the bantamweight belt, but he never got the chance.

After a pressure-filled two rounds where it seemed like the Tiger Muay Thai athlete was moments away from cinching the victory, misfortune struck - in the form of Lineker's shattered groin protector. "Hands of Stone" writhed in agony on the canvas and was unable to continue the fight, while Andrade looked crestfallen in disappointment.

Even with such a disheartening experience, the top-ranked contender is not discouraged in his pursuit of gold. Andrade is ready to take what he believes to be rightfully his, and he is certain that his rival will yet again be woefully inadequate.

"He will definitely prepare more now that he knows how good I am," he said.

"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."

Catch all the ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II action on Saturday, 25 February, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The live telecast of the event will be available via Star Sports Network in India.

Source: Media Release