ONE Championship News: Fernandes, Lineker Set For Explosive Title Bout After Fiery Media Call

The bad blood between reigning ONE bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes and challenger John Lineker spilled over into a media call held last Wednesday, October 20.

Play-by-play analyst Michael Schiavello served as the mediator, but things quickly got out of hand as the two fired shots at each other throughout much of the presser.

“A lot of fighters said that they are going to knock me out. But he (Bibiano Fernandes) has never fought with a guy like me before, so we will see. I’m always looking for the knockout, if it is going to be in the first round, all good. If not, I’ll look out for a KO in any other rounds,” Lineker boldly proclaimed.

“Beat me? No. You (John Lineker) are going to try to beat me because a lot of guys have tried. A lot of guys said they could beat me, no problem, let them try one more time. My friend, you told me you’re going to knock me out too. A lot of people give me attitude, I’m about to knock you out, that’s my goal,” an irate Fernandes retorted.

In response to Lineker’s claims, Fernandes argued back that he could not care any less by which way he defeats his challenger, whether by knockout, submission or decision.

Lineker also confirmed the rumors that he was texting Fernandes back then to call him out for a fight since his goal in joining the Singapore-based promotion is to become the bantamweight champion.

The two fighters have been firing shots at each other in previous reports, and tensions escalated due to Fernandes’ comments in late September.

As quoted by EssentiallySports.com, the champion cursed at Lineker and said that the two of them can settle their differences whether in the cage or in the streets.

Schiavello also noted during the media call that Fernandes is not the type of person to use such words.

The champion defended his actions in saying that he has nothing personal against his challenger, but "The Flash" stressed that he said such things because of his intent on keeping the bantamweight title around his waist.

Given the time between now and their absolute bloodbath at ONE X on December 5, it is expected that more fiery words from both camps will not remain unsaid in the coming days.