Mario Pinto
Portugal
Scheduled against Diniz
Pinto is scheduled to compete against Jhonata Diniz in a heavyweight fight at UFC Rio on Oct. 11, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Back in March, Pinto strongly commenced his UFC career by knocking out Austen Lane with a single punch at UFC Vegas 103. For the former's next fight, he takes on Diniz, looking to go 2-0 not long after defeating Alvin Hines following a series of bout changes beforehand.
Back in March, Pinto strongly commenced his UFC career by knocking out Austen Lane with a single punch at UFC Vegas 103. For the former's next fight, he takes on Diniz, looking to go 2-0 not long after defeating Alvin Hines following a series of bout changes beforehand.
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Collects bonus-winning KO
Pinto defeated Austen Lane via KO (punch) at 0:39 on Round 2 at UFC Vegas 103 on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Pinto had to battle adversity in Round 1, as an aggressive Lane backed him down and eventually recorded a knockdown. The Portuguese fighter was able to get back to his feet and survive the rest of the frame despite Lane unloading some more against the fence. Round 2 was an entirely different story. Lane again came out aggressive, but Pinto was able to counter a Lane jab with his own before unloading with the finishing right hand. Lane was out cold when he hit the ground, and referee Mark Smith was quick to call things off and prevent any further damage. It was the first finish of the night, and one that would go on to earn Pinto a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. He improves to 10-0 overall, and at 26 years old, he's still theoretically improving.
Pinto had to battle adversity in Round 1, as an aggressive Lane backed him down and eventually recorded a knockdown. The Portuguese fighter was able to get back to his feet and survive the rest of the frame despite Lane unloading some more against the fence. Round 2 was an entirely different story. Lane again came out aggressive, but Pinto was able to counter a Lane jab with his own before unloading with the finishing right hand. Lane was out cold when he hit the ground, and referee Mark Smith was quick to call things off and prevent any further damage. It was the first finish of the night, and one that would go on to earn Pinto a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. He improves to 10-0 overall, and at 26 years old, he's still theoretically improving.
UFC debut scheduled
Pinto will fight Austen Lane at UFC Vegas 103 on March 1, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
A Contender Series victory over Lucas Camacho allowed Pinto to secure a UFC contract in October and allowed him to hold onto his perfect professional record, which currently sits at 9-0. His promotional debut will come against Lane, who has won just one of his last three bouts but recently came out on top as a heavy underdog.
A Contender Series victory over Lucas Camacho allowed Pinto to secure a UFC contract in October and allowed him to hold onto his perfect professional record, which currently sits at 9-0. His promotional debut will come against Lane, who has won just one of his last three bouts but recently came out on top as a heavy underdog.
Latest heavyweight addition
Pinto defeated Lucas Camacho via KO (punches) at 1:43 of Round 1 at Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. After the show, he was one of four fighters to be awarded an official UFC contract.
ANALYSIS
After a brief feeling-out period, Pinto found his target with a left counter hook that sent Camacho to the canvas, and a few follow-up shots put out his lights as referee Mike Beltran was stepping in. It was an impressive effort and the second consecutive first-round finish of the card, albeit both were expected results from betting favorites upwards of (-700). The UFC needs heavyweight depth, and it will get it here in the form of an undefeated, 26-year-old who hails from Portugal. Given Pinto only absorbed seven strikes here, he should be ready for his company debut in short order.
After a brief feeling-out period, Pinto found his target with a left counter hook that sent Camacho to the canvas, and a few follow-up shots put out his lights as referee Mike Beltran was stepping in. It was an impressive effort and the second consecutive first-round finish of the card, albeit both were expected results from betting favorites upwards of (-700). The UFC needs heavyweight depth, and it will get it here in the form of an undefeated, 26-year-old who hails from Portugal. Given Pinto only absorbed seven strikes here, he should be ready for his company debut in short order.