From the bustling city of Curitiba, Brazil, 31-year-old Jhonata Diniz is on the brink of making history in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He is set to sign his first-ever contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the most prestigious and renowned fighting stage globally. Diniz has an unbeaten streak in his MMA career and is particularly known for his exceptional skills in the octagon. So far, he has secured six victories, all of which were knockouts achieved in the first round.
Diniz’s much-anticipated UFC debut is slated for April 24, in the entertainment capital, Las Vegas (USA). He is set to face off against American Austen Lane at UFC Fight Night. In preparation for the high-stakes match, Diniz traveled to São Paulo to train with former UFC lightweight champion and current number one in the category’s ranking, Charles Oliveira, popularly known as Charles from the Bronx. The preparation promises to be intense, especially as Do Bronx is also scheduled to fight two weeks earlier, at the historic UFC 300 event.
Diniz has an impressive fighting record, not only in MMA but also in professional kickboxing and Muay Thai. He boasts 27 victories in professional kickboxing, 6 wins by knockout in the first round in professional MMA, and an unbroken record of 25 wins in 25 fights in Muay Thai and amateur kickboxing. This stellar record has earned Diniz the reputation of being a versatile and promising fighter, a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
In addition to his MMA career, Diniz is also known as the first Brazilian to compete in GLORY Kickboxing, the biggest global event in the sport. His resume is further bolstered by his three-time world champion status in kickboxing, and his three-time Brazilian and Paraná champion titles in the same fighting modality. This illustrates his expertise not only in MMA but also in kickboxing and muay thai.
“Signing with the UFC was the biggest step of my career to date. We worked very hard to bring this contract to Brazil. I participated in a tryout where it wasn’t enough to just win; I needed to convince Dana White that I’m a level athlete. to be among the greatest fighters in the world in the UFC”, Diniz says.
Contract with UFC
Diniz is the product of the reality show ‘Contender Series’ in 2023, where he won his way into the UFC with an impressive first-round knockout performance. UFC President Dana White noted that Diniz’s vast experience in kickboxing and superior striking ability were decisive factors in offering him the contract, given that the category is predominantly composed of strikers.
Diniz recently suffered a personal tragedy with the sudden death of his father last month. This heartbreaking experience makes his participation in the UFC not just an opportunity for professional growth, but a personal challenge showcasing his resilience and determination.
“For me, it’s all or nothing, and I’m dedicating 100% of my time and effort because I know I have the chance to improve my life, give my mother a better life and leave a legacy for the Brazilian people at the biggest fight event in the world. planet”, emphasizes the fighter.
