In a significant shakeup for One Championship, former bantamweight king John Lineker has been cut from the roster following a failed drug test. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who once ruled the division with an iron fist, was one of six athletes released by the promotion, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Alongside Lineker, the promotion parted ways with Danny Kingad, Kang Ji Won, Eddie Abasolo, Ali Saldoev, and Taylor McClatchie.

Lineker's dismissal comes with an unfortunate twist: he tested positive for tamoxifen and metandienone. Tamoxifen, typically an estrogen blocker used in breast cancer treatment, is sometimes misused by athletes to manage side effects of steroid cycles. Metandienone, better known as Dianabol or Dbol, is a powerful anabolic steroid that boosts muscle growth and recovery. This revelation adds a dark chapter to what was once a storied career.

Lineker captured the One Championship bantamweight title in 2022 with a stunning knockout of Bibiano Fernandes. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the belt to Fabricio Andrade in two consecutive fights. After a brief stint in MMA through late 2024, Lineker transitioned to kickboxing and Muay Thai as One shifted its focus away from MMA bouts. He started strong with two violent Muay Thai wins, but his momentum stalled with three straight losses.

Despite the setback, Lineker isn't hanging up his gloves. He's already booked a return to combat sports on June 6 in his native Brazil, where he'll face Rogerio Ferreira in a caged boxing match. As for a suspension, it appears none has been officially handed down, allowing him to move forward.

Meanwhile, One Championship's future hangs in the balance. With the heavyweight title on the line in just days, the organization faces mounting challenges—unhappy fighters and troubling financial reports suggest the promotion might be fighting for its survival. For Lineker, this chapter closes, but the next one begins in the ring.