One Championship snaps up John Lineker after abrupt UFC release for ‘not being professional’
- Brazilian fan favourite signs with the Asian MMA organisation just six days after UFC releases him citing weight-cutting issues
- ‘Thank you One for having me!’ Lineker says, ‘I will answer all the questions out there in the ring’
John “Hands of Stone” Lineker has become the latest former UFC star to make the switch to One Championship.
MMA Fighting first reported the news, with Lineker’s agent confirming the move to ESPN, though One has yet to make an official statement.
“I will answer all the questions out there about myself in the Ring! People will be changing the channel to watch me fight! I will continue to do what I love! Fight and put on a show! Thank you 1 for having me!” Lineker tweeted on Monday night.
The 29-year-old Brazilian bantamweight (31-9) was abruptly released by the UFC just six days ago, despite winning eight of his past 10 fights and being ranked in the top 10 of his division.
Singapore-based One acted quickly to snap up the fan favourite, who was a top flyweight contender before moving up after weight-cutting issues.
“I think it was because he hasn’t made weight a few times,” UFC president Dana White told TSN during UFC 239 fight week. “And I just know that the matchmakers were super frustrated with him. The guy wasn’t being professional.”