As March 23 approaches, anticipation continues to build. John Lineker’s transition to kickboxing represents not only a personal challenge but also an intriguing storyline in the broader landscape of combat sports
Will “Hands of Stone” find success against one of kickboxing’s finest technicians? Can his power and pressure overcome Akimoto’s precision and experience?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—when Lineker and Akimoto step into the ring at ONE 172, fans are in for an explosive and unforgettable bout.
John Lineker embodies the modern combat athlete — unafraid to evolve, eager to learn, yet grounded in his MMA foundation. While his ventures into Muay Thai and kickboxing bring fresh excitement and potential accolades, his focus on MMA remains steadfast.
With his kickboxing debut looming at ONE 172, the eyes of the combat sports world will be on Lineker. Whether he decides to continue balancing multiple disciplines or fully recommit to MMA, one thing is clear: John Lineker’s passion for fighting, in any form, is far from waning.
Also Read: Hiroki Akimoto vs. John Lineker: Why Akimoto Isn’t Worried About Lineker’s Power?
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John Lineker Set for Kickboxing Debut at ONE 172 Against Hiroki Akimoto
Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker is preparing to venture into uncharted territory.1
Known for his ferocious hands and relentless forward pressure inside the MMA cage, the Brazilian powerhouse is now ready to test his skills under a different ruleset.
On March 23 at ONE 172, Lineker is scheduled to make his highly anticipated kickboxing debut, squaring off against former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto.
The bout is set to be an electrifying bantamweight showdown, pitting Lineker’s raw knockout power against Akimoto’s refined and technical striking arsenal.
Ligado no @ONEChampionship #ONEFightNight10 #OnenoCombate 👊🏻🪨🔥🔥
— John Lineker (@johnlineker) May 6, 2023
The Quest for a Ninth Victory in ONE Championship
Since joining ONE Championship in October 2019, John Lineker has enjoyed a remarkable run.
He has racked up eight victories, including memorable knockouts and hard-fought wars against some of the top contenders in the bantamweight MMA division.
His aggressive approach and ability to put opponents away have made him one of the promotion’s most feared fighters.
However, with this transition to kickboxing, Lineker is aiming to diversify his legacy. Securing a win over Akimoto would mark his ninth victory in ONE and his first under the kickboxing banner.
It would further cement his status as one of the most versatile and dangerous fighters across combat sports.
A victory in this match could potentially open doors for him to challenge for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title down the road, adding yet another accolade to his decorated career.
John Lineker’s Bold New Challenge
For many fighters, transitioning from one combat discipline to another is not an easy task.2
The rule differences, strategic adjustments, and technical refinements required demand significant adaptation.
However, John “Hands of Stone” Lineker is no stranger to challenges.
Having made a name for himself in the world of mixed martial arts, Lineker has consistently demonstrated his fearless approach to fighting.
With a career spanning more than 15 years, the Brazilian knockout artist boasts an impressive MMA record, which includes numerous highlight-reel finishes.
His aggressive fighting style and heavy hands earned him the moniker “Hands of Stone.” But instead of staying in his comfort zone, Lineker now eyes the kickboxing world, eager to test himself against some of the division’s best.
Studying Akimoto: No Clear Weakness Found Yet
Ahead of his bout with Hiroki Akimoto, Lineker has been meticulously analyzing his opponent’s fighting style. Known for being a student of the game, he is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
In a recent interview with ONE Championship, Lineker revealed that he and his team have been reviewing tapes of Akimoto, hoping to identify openings or flaws to exploit. However, despite his careful study, the Brazilian admitted that no glaring weaknesses have presented themselves yet.
“I’m analyzing his game and looking for gaps to exploit in the fight. But we’re still analyzing his game, so I can’t yet say there’s a weak point where I can impose my game.”
Akimoto’s well-rounded striking skills, disciplined footwork, and sharp counters are likely key factors contributing to the difficulty Lineker faces in pinpointing vulnerabilities.
As a former champion himself, Akimoto brings high-level technique and experience to the ring—making him a formidable first opponent for Lineker’s kickboxing journey.
John Lineker’s Evolution: Adding Muay Thai to His Arsenal
While this bout will mark Lineker’s official kickboxing debut, it is worth noting that the Brazilian slugger has already dipped his toes outside MMA through his stint in Muay Thai.3
He has competed in three Muay Thai contests under ONE Championship, walking away victorious in two of them.
These Muay Thai experiences have been instrumental in helping Lineker transition into the striking-only realm.
The clinch work, elbows, and knees common in Muay Thai have sharpened his offensive and defensive capabilities, allowing him to feel more comfortable when stripped of his usual MMA tools like takedowns or ground control.
Although Muay Thai and kickboxing differ slightly in rules—particularly regarding clinching and elbow strikes—the core principles of distance management, timing, and precision are highly transferable. Lineker’s Muay Thai experience has provided a solid foundation upon which he hopes to build a successful kickboxing campaign.
Hiroki Akimoto: The Technical Striker Standing in His Way
Lineker’s debut is made even more compelling by the caliber of his opponent. Hiroki Akimoto is one of Japan’s finest striking talents and the former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion.
Known for his clean technique, fluid combinations, and defensive prowess, Akimoto presents a unique challenge for anyone stepping into the ring with him.
With a background rooted in traditional karate before transitioning into kickboxing, Akimoto brings a unique hybrid style characterized by rapid-fire combinations and precise movement.
His ability to remain calm under pressure and systematically dismantle his opponents has made him a standout in the division.
For Lineker, facing Akimoto is not just about making a debut; it’s about proving that his famed punching power and pressure-fighting style can translate against an elite, technical striker under kickboxing rules.
Breaking Down the Matchup: Power vs. Precision
The stylistic contrast between John Lineker and Hiroki Akimoto makes this matchup a fascinating spectacle.
On one side, you have Lineker’s sheer power, relentless forward pressure, and knockout capability. On the other, Akimoto brings precision striking, tactical discipline, and superb defensive skills.
Lineker thrives in close quarters, where he can unleash his vicious hooks and uppercuts. His ability to cut off the ring and force opponents into exchanges is a hallmark of his fighting style.
However, in kickboxing, where clinch time is limited, and fighters cannot rely on wrestling to break the rhythm, Lineker’s approach will need to be sharp and calculated.
Akimoto, conversely, prefers to control the pace and keep opponents at range. He excels at darting in and out, landing clean shots while minimizing damage. His experience under kickboxing rules gives him a strategic edge, particularly in understanding how to rack up points and avoid getting cornered by power punchers.
The Pressure of Expectations: Lineker’s Legacy on the Line
As a former world champion and a recognized fan favorite, there is no doubt that expectations are high for John Lineker. His reputation precedes him, and fans will eagerly tune in to see how his aggressive MMA style translates into a pure striking contest.
However, with high expectations also comes significant pressure. A successful debut could be the start of something monumental, potentially propelling Lineker to title contention in yet another combat sport.
Conversely, a loss could highlight the challenges of transitioning between disciplines, particularly when facing experienced specialists like Akimoto.
Regardless of the outcome, Lineker’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone reflects the mindset of a true martial artist—one who is always seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth.
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John Lineker’s Core Identity: The MMA Foundation
Throughout his career, John Lineker has been widely recognized for his thunderous power, relentless pace, and iron chin — all attributes that have served him well in MMA.
Nicknamed “Hands of Stone,” Lineker has built an impressive resume with a slew of knockouts and thrilling performances, most notably in ONE Championship and his earlier stint with the UFC.
His aggressive fighting style, honed specifically for MMA’s multidimensional platform, has earned him fans worldwide. For Lineker, MMA isn’t just a profession — it’s his foundation.
“Of course, my focus is MMA, but the fights I was doing were getting me really excited,” Lineker said in his recent interview. “When we’re winning, we get really excited, right? But let’s see what happens.”
This statement reaffirms that despite tasting success in striking-exclusive competitions, Lineker’s heart still beats strongest inside the MMA cage.
Dipping into Muay Thai: Testing New Waters
Over the past year, Lineker’s decision to accept Muay Thai bouts has raised eyebrows. Some viewed it as a natural transition, given his penchant for ferocious stand-up fighting.
Muay Thai, often called the “Art of Eight Limbs,” aligns well with Lineker’s strengths, particularly his heavy-handed punches and close-range aggression.
However, Muay Thai presented unique challenges — elbow strikes, clinch battles, and specific rule sets differ from MMA’s broader landscape. Despite these differences, Lineker enjoyed initial success in Muay Thai, further fueling his excitement.
He emphasized how much he and his team celebrated those victories, noting that success in a new domain invigorated him.
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The Upcoming Kickboxing Debut: ONE 172 Spotlight
Lineker’s journey takes another intriguing turn at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, where he will make his kickboxing debut.
This event, set to take place at Japan’s iconic Saitama Super Arena on March 23, features some of the sport’s biggest names, with Lineker adding star power to the already stacked lineup.
Unlike Muay Thai, kickboxing prohibits elbows and clinches, focusing more strictly on punches, kicks, and knees.
For someone like Lineker, whose power punches can change the course of any bout, kickboxing offers an exciting opportunity to showcase his striking in a slightly different environment.
Fans can catch the event by purchasing the pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com, eagerly awaiting how Lineker’s signature style translates to kickboxing.
The Team Behind Lineker: American Top Team’s Role
A crucial factor in Lineker’s career decisions is the support and strategy devised by his team at American Top Team (ATT). One of the world’s most respected MMA gyms, ATT has long been known for producing elite fighters across multiple disciplines.
For Lineker, having a strong team to guide him through transitions between MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing is invaluable.
Their ability to tailor training camps specifically for each rule set has allowed Lineker to adapt effectively without compromising his MMA core.
John Lineker’s Open-Minded Approach
As Lineker puts it, the future remains uncertain.
He’s enthusiastic about exploring new paths, but ultimately, he’s leaving the door open based on results and opportunities:
“Now I want to move on and see what the future holds for me.”
This flexible approach keeps fans guessing. Could we see Lineker become a dual-threat athlete, alternating between MMA and kickboxing? Or will his love for MMA eventually reel him back in exclusively?
One thing’s certain: he refuses to limit himself, preferring to stay adaptable and motivated by fresh challenges.
Fan Reception: Excitement Meets Curiosity
Lineker’s foray into other striking sports has generated mixed, albeit mostly positive, reactions from fans and pundits alike. Many are eager to see how his hard-hitting style translates in settings where ground fighting isn’t a factor.
Particularly at ONE 172, the anticipation is high, given that Lineker will share the card with elite strikers like Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Fans are intrigued to see how Lineker’s aggressive MMA striking stacks up against specialists in pure striking sports.
Despite experimenting in different arenas, Lineker’s true legacy is already firmly established in MMA. His resume includes a lengthy list of victories over high-caliber opponents, numerous highlight-reel knockouts, and championships that solidify his standing.
For him, any venture outside MMA seems like a supplemental challenge rather than a permanent shift. His mindset is less about abandoning his roots and more about expanding his toolkit.
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