Newcomer, Jhonata Diniz links the success of kickboxing fighters in the UFC to a change in mentality

This Saturday (27), in Las Vegas (USA), Jonathan Diniz will make his UFC debut. Hired by the organization after impressing on the ‘Contender Series’ program in September, the Brazilian, with a notable background in kickboxing, competes with Austen Lane, in the heavyweight division, and aims to follow in the footsteps of Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, renowned strikers , in the company.

In the past, many athletes specializing in striking decided to migrate to MMA and left something to be desired. Now, the tide has turned, with the Brazilian and Nigerian becoming UFC champions and stars. In an exclusive interview with the Ag. FightJhonata explains that the recent success of a number of kickboxing fighters in mixed martial arts is due to a change in mentality and also the ‘abandonment’ of the ego, since the sport is so difficult that it is not possible to reach the top only knowing how to exchange blows while standing.

“Nowadays, kickboxing people came to fight MMA, so they managed to adapt their striking game very well to MMA. So much so that many say, ‘Ah, I want to see Diniz fight MMA’. They haven’t had the opportunity yet, but, for sure, the day I need it, I’ll be ready to do the grappling part, on the ground. Something I didn’t see the old guys doing. I saw many high-level athletes in kickboxing, skating because of this, because they didn’t want to fight MMA but rather do kickboxing with gloves.. Then it didn’t work”, declared the fighter.