Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
John Lineker had a successful ONE debut, although it was not one of his signature finishes.
Knockout artist John Lineker picked up his first win after seven years spent in the UFC. At ONE: Dawn of Valor, ‘Hands of Stone’ managed to defeat Muin Gafuvor, although not in his preferred fashion, the knockout, but by way of unanimous decision.
In an interview with Ag Fight, the 29-year-old revealed that he broke his hand in the first round of the fight, but was still happy with his performance, despite the hindrance. Now, John does not expect to be back in under than three months, until he recovers from the injury.
“I had a good debut, against a really tough opponent. I think I did pretty well, despite having broken my hand halfway through the first round. It really hindered my performance in the following rounds, but I wanted to fight all the way and I think I put on a good performance.”
“My return will depend on my recovery. Those three months they gave me are for safety. But depending on my healing process, I can show them proof and they might clear me sooner. I think I will be back in February or March.”
Before the win, John Lineker (32-9) dropped a unanimous decision to Cory Sandhagen back in April, at UFC Fight Night 150. The bout marked John’s last Octagon appearance, he left the company with a 12-4 record, holding wins over notable names such as Ian McCall, John Dodson and Michael McDonald among others.