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 basic Lineker trend, he instantly got here out placing stress on his opponent and trying to land an enormous knockout blow. Nevertheless, it was Akimoto who bought the most effective of the putting exchanges, utilizing his size and elite kicking sport 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 bought the most effective of the exchanges. In direction of the tip of the stanza, Akimoto related with a nasty knee up the center that appeared to place Lineker on the mat. Nevertheless, referee Olivier Coste dominated it a slip and allowed the struggle to proceed uninterrupted.
With the struggle doubtlessly 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 ‘Palms of Stone’ unable to land his signature proper hand, we went to the scorecards.
Official Consequence: Hiroki Akimoto def. John Lineker by way of cut up determination
