UFC-ONE Veteran John Lineker to Make Muay Thai Debut Against Sporting Legend

John Lineker is set to make his Muay Thai debut against Liam Harrison at ONE Fight Night 18 on January 12, 2024. The news was first broken by MMA Junkie in November 17. Whether the bout is a main event in boxing/MMA gloves is yet to be disclosed.

Lineker makes his Muay Thai debut off the back of two straight victories in MMA. “Hands of Stone” has never fought in kickboxing before, but is known for his ferocious brawler style in MMA, amassing an impressive 22 finishes in 37 professional victories. His debut opponent in Muay Thai is a tall task.

Harrison, 38, is currently ranked #4 in ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai rankings, and is equally known for his unrelenting style. “The Hitman” is widely regarded as one of the best Muay Thai fighters in British history, and has all the tools to upset Lineker’s debut.

Harrison’s style relies on punishing his opponent’s forward pressure with thunderous check-hooks and his own unique style of leg kick which offers almost no telegraph:

Liam Harrison's check hook
Above: Harrison’s check hook Below: Harrison’s leg kicks

For Lineker, this is the definition of jumping in the deep end. The Muay Thai debutant will be facing an opponent with almost 120 professional bouts. If he can defy the odds, it will be one of the biggest upsets in Muay Thai history.


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Mathew Riddle