Since joining ONE Championship in 2019, John “Hands of Stone” Lineker has had one goal in mind – becoming the ONE Bantamweight World Champion.

The #1-ranked contender will look to secure a World Title opportunity when he battles Troy “Pretty Boy” Worthen at “ONE on TNT III,” which airs this Thursday, 22 April.

“I’m very happy to fight in the main event. This responsibility is good. I’m ready — not only for this fight, but to become ONE’s World Champion,” the heavy-handed Brazilian said.

“I have had two fights in ONE so far. I’m ready for the title shot. This is the next goal, the next step, and I believe I’m more than ready for this moment.”

He certainly appeared ready in his last outing against former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, whom he finished by second-round TKO at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX III.

“My fight against Belingon was tough. He’s a versatile opponent who kicks a lot, but I frustrated his game plan with my boxing skills,” Lineker said.

“I realized I was going to knock Belingon out when I started hitting him with body shots. He began to scream when [his body] was punched, so I knew I had found the way to victory and I finished him.”

The man they call “Hands of Stone” will now look to toss bricks at Worthen, an American wrestling powerhouse who’s aiming to rebound from a previous loss. 

For his part, Lineker isn’t discrediting Worthen based on that L. 

“All fights are dangerous, but I’m prepared in all aspects and ready for war. I have great boxing skills and I’m evolving my grappling game,” the Brazilian said.

“Like in my other fights, my goal will be to knock my opponent out. This time won’t be different. I don’t like to leave it in the hands of the judges.

“I like all kinds of challenges. Tough fights make me stronger, so come and get it, ‘cause I’m always ready. I want to put on a show for the fans.”

If he can get past Worthen, the #1 contender will have his sights set on one man – ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes.

“Bibiano must fear me because I’m focused on the title shot and I will not stop until I can fight him,” Lineker said.

“I’m the most dangerous ONE bantamweight. Nothing can stop me. I’m motivated and ready. I’ll knock everybody out until I get the World Title.”

Catch all the action from “ONE on TNT III” this Thursday, 22 April, on the ONE Super App and ONE’s YouTube channel at 8:30 a.m. SGT.

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