John Lineker is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently signed to ONE Championship, where he is the former ONE Bantamweight World Champion. He previously competed in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
You can follow John Linker’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, contract, fight purses, earnings, fight records, achievements, and more here.
John Lineker’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | John Lineker dos Santos de Paula |
| Nickname | “Hands of Stone” |
| Birth Date | June 12, 1990 |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) |
| Birthplace | Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Turned Professional | 2008 |
| Current Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Jacklyne Lineker |
| Instagram Profile | @johnlinekermma |
John Lineker was born on June 12, 1990, in Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil. He grew up in a working-class family in this coastal city, where his father worked as a mechanic. Lineker had a modest upbringing alongside his 2 brothers and 2 adopted sisters.
As a child, Lineker faced challenges, including bullying. At the age of 12, Lineker read an article about Brazilian boxer Acelino “Popó” Freitas, which ignited his dream of becoming a professional fighter.
Early Career
Lineker made his professional debut in September 2008, initially competing in the lightweight and featherweight divisions. During the first 15 months of his career, he fought 11 times, accumulating a record of 6 wins and 5 losses.
In 2010, Lineker made a crucial decision to move down to the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, which proved to be a turning point in his career. Following this weight class transition, Lineker went on an impressive 13-fight undefeated streak.
During this period, he competed in various promotions in Brazil, including Samurai FC, Nitrix Fights, and Jungle Fight. He captured the Jungle Fight Bantamweight Championship and won the Nitrix Fights 2011 Bantamweight Grand Prix.
Professional Career
In 2012, Lineker signed with the UFC, where he competed until 2019. His UFC career was marked by several notable victories and performance bonuses. However, it was also marred by multiple weight-cutting issues, as he missed weight for 5 of his UFC appearances.
Despite these challenges, Lineker managed to secure wins over high-profile opponents such as Ian McCall, Michael McDonald, and John Dodson. After his release from the UFC in 2019, Lineker signed a six-fight contract with ONE Championship.
He made his ONE debut in October 2019, defeating Muin Gafurov via unanimous decision. Lineker continued to impress in ONE, securing notable victories over Kevin Belingon and Troy Worthen.
The pinnacle of Lineker’s ONE Championship career came on March 11, 2022, when he defeated Bibiano Fernandes via knockout to win the ONE Bantamweight World Championship.
However, his title reign was short-lived. After a no-contest bout with Fabricio Andrade in October 2022, Lineker lost the rematch and the title to Andrade in February 2023.
Wife
John Lineker is married to Jacklyne Lineker. Together, John and Jacklyne have five children. On January 24, 2023, John Lineker announced the birth of their baby daughter, Eloah.
Lineker shared the news on his Instagram account, expressing his joy about the “magical moment” of his daughter’s birth.
John Lineker’s Net Worth Details
John Lineker’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. This figure is based on his career earnings from fight purses, performance bonuses, and potential endorsement deals.
Contract
Lineker is currently under contract with ONE Championship. He signed a six-fight contract with ONE Championship.
He revealed this information in an interview, stating: “I signed a six-fight contract with ONE.” Lineker signed with ONE Championship in July 2019, shortly after his release from the UFC.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Estimated Purse | Notes |
| ONE Fight Night 7 | Fabricio Andrade | $150,000 | Title fight |
| ONE on Prime Video 3 | Fabricio Andrade | $150,000 | Lineker missed weight and was fined 20% |
| ONE: Lights Out | Bibiano Fernandes | $200,000 | Won ONE Bantamweight Championship |
| ONE Fight Night 13 | Kim Jae-Woong | $125,000 | Lineker missed weight and was fined 25% |
Earnings
| Source | Earnings |
| UFC Career (2012-2019) | $1,000,000 – $1,500,000 |
| Performance Bonuses in UFC | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| ONE Championship Contract (2019-present) | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Championship Fights in ONE | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Sponsorships and Endorsements | Unknown |
| Total Estimated Career Earnings | $2,000,000 – $3,300,000 |
Fight Records
| Statistic | Record |
| Total Fights | 43 |
| Wins | 35 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 17 |
| Wins by Submission | 1 |
| Wins by Decision | 17 |
Achievements
- Former ONE Bantamweight World Champion
- Former Jungle Fight Bantamweight Champion
- Nitrix Fights 2011 Bantamweight Grand Prix Champion
- Multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in UFC
- Ranked #1 in ONE Championship Bantamweight division
FAQs
What is John Lineker’s nickname?
“Hands of Stone.”
When did John Lineker start his professional MMA career?
John Lineker started his professional MMA career in September 2008.
What weight classes has John Lineker competed in?
He has competed in lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight, and flyweight divisions.
Which major promotions has John Lineker fought for?
Lineker has fought for UFC and ONE Championship, among other promotions.
What is John Lineker’s most significant championship win?
His most significant championship win was becoming the ONE Bantamweight World Champion.
How many fights has John Lineker won by knockout?
John Lineker has won 17 fights by knockout or technical knockout.
What is John Lineker’s fighting style known for?
Lineker is known for his aggressive fighting style, punching power, and durability.
Where was John Lineker born?
Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil.
How tall is John Lineker?
5’3″ (160 cm).
What is John Lineker’s current fighting weight?
He currently competes in the bantamweight division at 135 lbs (61 kg).
