With the unprecedented success of light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and former middleweight ruler Israel Adesanya, there has naturally been an increased focus on fighters moving from the kickboxing ranks to the UFC octagon, and Diniz is another player in this change.
After posting a 22-7 record in the ring, the 32-year-old Brazilian heavyweight transitioned to MMA in the spring of 2022, and just 16 months later, pushed his record to 6-0 with a stoppage victory in the first turn against the old. LFA Champion Eduardo Neves on Season 7 of Dana White’s Contender Series. Each of his wins has come within the first five minutes, and the combination of his initial success and the recent track record of competitors making the same transition he’s attempting, there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding Diniz as he prepares to enter the Octagon. for the first time on Saturday.
Austen Lane, the former NFL defensive lineman who landed in the UFC after landing a contract the previous fall through the annual talent search series, will be waiting to congratulate him. His debut ended abruptly following an accidental eye poke, and the ensuing rematch didn’t last much longer, as Lane was stopped by Justin Tafa.
Diniz is undeniably still green when it comes to mixed martial arts, but quality fundamentals are in place. He showed a good ability to handle strikes coming back at him and the composure to choose the right strikes to ensure the end of his clash with Neves, and profiles as someone worth following for the long haul. term.
This weekend’s match with Lane is a good entrance exam as he officially joins the UFC heavyweight ranks, and if he succeeds, it will be interesting to see how he can progress over the next few years. years.