John Lineker Set For Muay Thai Debut Against Asa Ten Pow At ONE 168: Denver
John “Hands of Stone” Lineker will bring his incredible punching power to a new sport at ONE 168: Denver.
The former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion will face off against Asa “The American Ninja” Ten Pow in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash live in U.S. primetime on Friday, September 6.
The fight is scheduled for Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, when the world’s largest martial arts organization returns to North American soil for the second time.
Lineker has long been renowned for his striking in MMA, and he will have more capacity to unload his blistering power without the threat of takedowns from his opponent.
With 18 knockouts in his career – including four from his six wins in ONE – the Brazilian star has proven to have dynamite in his hands that can turn any fight on its head in an instant.
However, the current #1-ranked bantamweight MMA contender will have to make some adjustments when he comes up against a world-class striking specialist.
With his recent stoppage wins over Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and Han Zi Hao, Ten Pow has established himself as one of the USA’s leading Muay Thai exports.
Han is a former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger and Rambolek was a decorated competitor on the elite Thai circuit, so both wins proved that “The American Ninja” belongs among the top tier.
Ten Pow will have the experience advantage in terms of pure striking, and he has taken on big hitters before, meaning he shouldn’t be fazed by Lineker’s aggressive boxing attacks.
The matchup pits Lineker’s frightening raw power against the more refined stand-up arsenal of “The American Ninja,” but both men have finishing abilities and the skills to implement them.
U.S. supporters will look forward to the clash given Lineker’s longtime popularity in the country and Ten Pow’s return to competing in his home nation.
It also adds another intriguing spectacle for Muay Thai fans on September 6.
The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title will be on the line as Jonathan Haggerty defends the belt against Superlek Kiatmoo9, while Liam Harrison and Seksan Or Kwanmuang will throw down in a clash of legends.
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news about ONE 168: Denver.