Former ONE Bantamweight MMA world champion John Lineker is excited to test himself under the kickboxing rule set against Hiroki Akimoto.
Lineker and Akimoto are set to collide in a bantamweight kickboxing contest at ONE Championship’s event ONE 172 in Japan on March 23.
The 34-year-old Brazilian star, who picked up two knockout wins and one split decision loss in three Muay Thai fights, is excited to try his hand in kickboxing against the number-4 ranked bantamweight kickboxing and former divisional champion.
“It wasn’t really in my plans to do a kickboxing fight, but I’m a fighter, and I’m ready for any fight. Like I said, I like to test myself, so it will definitely be a great test once again,” Lineker said.
“I’m very happy and excited, and we’ll see what happens with this fight. I’m preparing a lot. I’m very focused, and we’ll see if after this fight we can continue to do other kickboxing fights,” he added.
ONE 172: Japan kicks off at 10 AM Mecca on Sunday, March 23. The event will witness five exciting world championship bouts, including Algeria’s interim champion Nabil Anane’s fight against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai world title unification bout.
Morocco’s Zakaria El Jamari will also participate in the big event in a flyweight kickboxing fight against Japan’s Hyu Iwata.
