John Lineker’s time with One Championship has come to an end.
According to Bangkok Post, Lineker was released from the One roster along with five other athletes: Danny Kingad, Kang Ji Won, Eddie Abasolo, Ali Saldoev and Taylor McClatchie. Lineker, a former Bantamweight champion for the promotion, is the highest profile release and there is unfortunately further explanation for his pink slip beyond his current three-fight skid.
Lineker tested positive for tamoxifen and metandienone, two banned substances.
Tamoxifen is an estrogen blocker generally used to treat breast cancer but also used to help cycle. Metandienone, also known as Dianabol or Dbol, is an anabolic steroid that promotes muscle growth and recovery.
Lineker, age 35, captured the One Bantamweight crown in 2022 by knocking out Bibiano Fernandes (watch here). Afterward, Lineker would lose his title to Fabricio Andrade in a pair of fights, though he continued to compete in MMA until Fall 2024. Around that time, Lineker pivoted to kickboxing and Muay Thai as One moved away from holding MMA fights.
Lineker won his first two Muay Thai matches in violent fashion, but he’s since lost three straight.
As for any kind of suspension? Lineker has already booked his combat sports return on June 6 in his native Brazil in a caged boxing match opposite Rogerio Ferreira.
One Championship’s future is decidedly less certain. The One Heavyweight title will be on the line in just a couple days, but unhappy fighters and negative financial reports seem to indicate the organization may be on its last legs.
