Heavyweight Jhonata Diniz saw a high-profile showdown with Derrick Lewis at UFC Edmonton earlier this month fall through on weigh-in day due to a Lewiss illness – luckily, he was able to join UFC 309 in a short-notice pairing with Marcin Tybura.
The downside for Diniz, a former GLORY kickboxer, was that unlike Lewis, Tybura was unlikely to throw hands. The Polish fighter, well-versed in grappling, would likely look to drag Diniz into deep waters instead.
While Tybura opened with a high kick, a harder, higher kick followed from Diniz. And moments later, Diniz had Tybura rocked and on his back. Diniz got on top, only for Tybura to sweep, showing the inexperience of the kickboxer on the ground. Now, “Tybur” was on top, in half guard, giving him time to recover, and work towards a finish.
Diniz closed his guard and wrapped his arms around Tybura’s neck, while the Polish star landed to the body. Tybura, with ample time on the clock, landed rabbit punches and smothered Diniz, before passing to guard with about 90 seconds left in the first round. Right hands landed to the side of Diniz’s head, but Tybura displayed a fairly conservative approach, mixing in the odd elbow but careful not to lose the position.
Marcin Tybura fired another high kick, a front kick, in the opening minute of round two. Diniz looked the find a way in, but might have slowed a step. Tybura was trying to set something up with his right hand, and finally changed levels, scooping up Diniz and planting him on his back. From there, Tybura had the entire round to work, roughly four minutes, and he took it. Lots of top time, and in the final 20 seconds, down came smashing elbows! Diniz was busted open and barely made it back to his stool, saved by the bell, and his corner assisting him. The bridge of Diniz’s nose, and one eyelid, were both split open; the cutman had his work cut out for him.
Before Diniz could start the third, however, the doctor took a look, and asked the Brazilian a few questions. Whatever he heard, he didn’t like the answer, and shook his head, with ref Herb Dean then waving it off. The UFC 309 broadcast later suggested wobbly legs were to blame; whatever the reason, Marcin Tybura had the TKO win.
Official Result: Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 2, 5:00
