ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes may be the most dominant titleholder in ONE Championship history, but the reigning king will face the most dangerous test of his mixed martial arts career on Friday, 11 February.
That evening, the Brazilian legend is scheduled to defend his crown against #1-ranked contender and surging knockout artist John “Hands of Stone” Lineker at ONE: BAD BLOOD, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
When Fernandes steps into the Circle for this main event showdown, he’ll be making his 12th ONE World Title defense – far more than anyone else in the promotion.
But while the 41-year-old BJJ black belt is excited about that remarkable achievement, he’s extra fired up to settle a score with his fellow Brazilian. “Hands of Stone” has been a thorn in the champion’s side since joining ONE, impressing inside of the Circle and making bold claims outside of it.
The 31-year-old Lineker debuted with a dominant unanimous decision over Muin “Tajik” Gafurov, scored a crushing knockout against former bantamweight king Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, and then did the same to American star Troy “Pretty Boy” Worthen.
The rising contender also took to social media and called for a ONE Bantamweight World Title shot, which rubbed Fernandes the wrong way. But while “The Flash” is annoyed, he is up for the challenge and eager to shut down his compatriot.
Before these superstars collide in “The Lion City,” Fernandes spoke to ONE Championship about his beef with Lineker, why he can stop the challenger’s meteoric rise, the new generation of BJJ practitioners, the immense MMA potential of Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, and more. (One Championship)
(Photo credits to: SMCP)