A freshly signed Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight is making sure he has the best training camp possible for his upcoming debut.
32-year-old Brazilian heavyweight Jhonata Diniz (6-0) earned a spot on the UFC roster by destroying Eduardo Neves on the 2023 season of Dana White's Contender Series, dispatching his fellow countryman in just over three minutes. The 6-foot-4 slugger spared no expense to prepare for his promotional debut, which will be held at an upcoming UFC Fight Night card on April 27 against Austen Lane (12-4). The Curitiba-born Diniz elected to shift gears from his Santa Fe team to the vaunted Chute Boxe camp helmed by Diego Lima to work alongside greats like Charles Oliveira.
“I was very well received here by Diego Lima, Charles and the entire Chute Boxe team,” Diniz told Sherdog. “In addition to great training, the atmosphere here is sensational.”
The former kickboxer, who stepped away from pure striking disciplines in 2022 with a record of 27-7, has gone through some personal struggles of late. In addition to changing his life to train for MMA instead of straight kickboxing or muay thai, his father died this past December. Overcoming grief and dealing with adversity, he believes it has only strengthened his resolve and determination.
“Just like me, Austin is a fighter who steps in the Octagon [looking for a fast finish]. From his 12 victories, 11 were by knockout, 10 of those in the first round. Facing an opponent like that in my debut only increases my motivation. 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 on the planet,” the heavyweight concluded.
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