Prediction: Jhonata Diniz via TKO
Let’s start with the obvious: yeah, Diniz off his back isn’t exactly elite. If you’re gonna beat him, that’s the blueprint—get him down, keep him there, and chip away. But here’s the catch—Hines isn’t really that guy. He’s capable of wrestling, sure, but that’s not his core identity. He’s way more comfortable striking, and if you’ve watched his tape, he’s not bringing the kind of dogged, chain-wrestling pressure you need to wear down a guy like Diniz. And trying to out-brawl a high-level kickboxer with real speed, timing, and finishing ability? That’s playing with fire.
Diniz is explosive. He’s fast. And he throws with confidence, even when chaos breaks out. He’s not some patient point striker—he’s there to hurt you. And unless you’re in his face constantly smothering him, he’s going to get comfortable and start landing with real heat. Hines has decent hands and a decent chin, but this is a different level. This isn’t a regional scene grinder—this is a guy who’s fought grown men in high-level striking settings and put them out.
The striking styles are the biggest gap here. Hines brings more of a scrappy, brawler-style attack—he’s down to swing and trade, but he doesn’t have the pop or speed to make Diniz respect it. And if you’re not forcing Diniz backwards and making him uncomfortable, he’s going to tee off. From range, in the pocket, off counters—he’s just smoother and faster. Every exchange is going to favor the guy who’s sharper and more confident, and that’s Diniz all day.
Even if Hines leans into his wrestling, we’re talking about trying to take down a massive, powerful striker who’s gonna make you work for every inch. Getting him down is hard—especially when your cardio and pace aren’t overwhelming to begin with. Every failed takedown is gonna tax Hines and give Diniz more chances to put leather on him.