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. A post shared by ONE Championship (@onechampionship) 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.” A post shared by ONE Championship (@onechampionship) 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 p.