Hiroki Akimoto fended off the heavy-hitting assault of John Lineker at ONE 172 to climb again into the win column for the primary time since March 2023.
In traditional Lineker vogue, he instantly got here out placing stress on his opponent and trying to land an enormous knockout blow. Nonetheless, it was Akimoto who obtained the perfect of the placing exchanges, utilizing his size and elite kicking recreation to maintain the previous ONE world champion at bay.
As he did within the first spherical, Lineker got here out swinging within the second, however it was as soon as once more Akimoto who obtained the perfect of the exchanges. In the direction of the top of the stanza, Akimoto linked with a nasty knee up the center that appeared to place Lineker on the mat. Nonetheless, referee Olivier Coste dominated it a slip and allowed the combat to proceed uninterrupted.
With the combat probably tied up, each fighters ramped up their aggression within the third spherical, however it was as soon as once more Akimoto’s distance administration that made the distinction. With ‘Hands of Stone’ unable to land his signature proper hand, we went to the scorecards.
Official Consequence: Hiroki Akimoto def. John Lineker through cut up resolution
take a look at highlights from Hiroki Akimoto vs. John Lineker at ONE 172:
