VIDEO: Heavyweight Kickboxer Wins UFC Contract With Massive One-Shot KO

A decorated striker is set to join the UFC's heavyweight division after this huge knockout.

Drew Beaupré | Sep 12, 2023

VIDEO: Heavyweight Kickboxer Wins UFC Contract With Massive One-Shot KO /

Former heavyweight kickboxer Jhonata Diniz extended his unbeaten MMA record and earned himself a UFC contract when he knocked out Eduardo Neves on Dana White’s Contender Series.

The Brazilian entered the night as a slight favorite to beat his countryman, but early on it was Neves who was having success with his jab and had Diniz backing up on several occasions.

Although he had some early struggles, Diniz appeared to settle into the fight more as the first round went on. The former GLORY kickboxer threatened Neves with knees more than once in the opening few minutes, and eventually his hands starting landing more and forced “Bebezao” to go on the retreat.

GOT THE KO IN ROUND 1!@jhonythai comes out on top at #DWCS 💪 pic.twitter.com/vewGVIab1W
— UFC (@ufc) September 13, 2023

Neves’ chin held up to some big strikes once Diniz went on offense, but eventually a huge right hand put the 23-year-old on his back and forced the referee to save him from what would have been a massive follow-up punch from his countryman.

Diniz only made his MMA debut in May of last year but is now 6-0 with every single one of those wins coming via first-round stoppage.

The GLORY veteran had some stiff competition to join the UFC on a particularly action-packed Dana White’s Contender Series event, but there was little doubt after his knockout win that the Brazilian would be among the five fighters on the night that earned UFC contracts.

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Published Sep 12, 2023