UFC 317: Jhonata Diniz vs Alvin Hines

In the opening bout of UFC 317’s prelims, seasoned Brazilian striker Jhonata Diniz made his mark against undefeated debutant Alvin “Goozie” Hines. Hines came out swinging early, landing hard right hands and even securing a brief takedown, suggesting he’d upset the thrilling atmosphere of Las Vegas with his aggressive intent.

But Diniz, with world-class kickboxing on display, methodically weathered the storm. He advanced behind sharp counters, working the lead leg with low kicks that steadily sapped Hines’s mobility. A crisp one-two late in Round 1 swung momentum firmly into Diniz’s favor.

Round 2 brought a striking clinic—Hines attempted another takedown, but Diniz stuffed it clean, then unleashed diverse strikes to break his rhythm. A well-timed left hook buckled Hines and confirmed the mounting advantage.

By Round 3, leg damage and fatigue had clearly set in. Diniz continued his methodical assault, even landing a soaring head kick on the bell. Hines, showing grit, maintained pressure but couldn’t match the striking precision of his Brazilian counterpart.

After fifteen minutes of brutal stand‑up, the judges ruled unanimously in favor of Diniz (29‑28 across the board) ([bvmsports.com][2]). The stat sheet reflected Diniz’s dominance—63 strikes landed to Hines’s 45—and marked the Brazilian’s return to form at 9–1, while Hines’s UFC debut fell short at 7–1.

This barnburner showcased Diniz’s sharp kickboxing and fight IQ. Early flurries from Hines hinted at fireworks, but Diniz’s counters, leg-attack strategy, and composed composure sealed a compelling victory in Paradise.