Lineker, 30, will step into the spotlight when he faces Troy Worthen in the One on TNT 3 headliner on Wednesday at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. “Hands of Stone” enters the cage having compiled a 10-2 record across his past 12 appearances. Lineker’s resume includes victories over Marlon Vera, John Dodson, Rob Font and Ian McCall. He last competed at One Championship “Inside the Matrix 3,” where he laid claim to a unanimous decision over Kevin Belingon in October.
Ahead of Lineker’s confrontation with the once-beaten Worthen, here are five things you might not know about him:
1. Judges often play a part in his outcomes.
Though he carries a reputation as one of the sport’s premier knockout artists, Lineker has gone the distance in nearly half (19) of his 42 professional bouts. Six of his nine losses and 13 of his 33 victories have brought the scorecards into play.
2. His chin may be his most formidable asset.
While Lineker’s punching power may be a bit overhyped when weighed against actual results, no one can question his ability to absorb punishment. In some 80 rounds as a mixed martial artist, the American Top Team rep has never been stopped by strikes.
3. He has gotten acquainted with gold.
Lineker may not have reached the top of the mountain in a major mixed martial arts organization, but titles are not foreign to him. He captured the Jungle Fight bantamweight championship with a split decision over Iliarde Santos on Sept. 10, 2011. Less than a year later, Lineker signed on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s dotted line.
4. Roots have been difficult to put down.
A vagabond of sorts, Lineker has competed in 16 different organizations during his 42-fight career. The list: One Championship, UFC, Jungle Fight, Shooto Brazil, Nitrix Champion Fight, Gladiators Fighting Championship, K.O. Fight, Full Heroes Battle, Warrior’s Challenge, Brazilian Fight League, Samurai Fight Combat, Blackout Fight Championship, Paranagua Fight, VIP Stage, Golden Fighters and Floripa Fight.
5. Consistency has become an endearing trait.
Lineker has endured only one losing streak as a pro. He suffered consecutive defeats to Felipe Arantes, Erick da Silva and Andre Luis de Souza during a five-week window, from Aug. 7, 2009 to Sept. 12, 2009. Lineker was 19 years old at the time. He has gone 28-5 since, including runs of four, six and 13 straight wins.