EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – Jhonata Diniz didn’t expect to be fighting one of the biggest names in the heavyweight division in just his third UFC appearance, but he’s not complaining.
The undefeated prospect got the call to face former UFC title challenger Derrick Lewis on the main card of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 246. This was shocking for Diniz (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), especially because “The Black Beast” already had an opponent for the event.
“Derrick Lewis is a very big name not just in the UFC, but around the world when you talk about MMA,” Diniz said at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 246 media day. “I really get surprised because he was booked to fight against another fighter. When the UFC came to us and let us know we were the new fighter for Derrick Lewis, it was a big surprise, big surprise, but we’re ready for him.”