Alvin “Goozie” Hines has never been one to take the easy road. From small-town grit to Las Vegas lights, the undefeated heavyweight is about to step into the Octagon for his UFC debut — and he’s doing it on the sport’s biggest stage: International Fight Week.
At UFC 317, Hines faces kickboxer Jhonata Diniz with a spotless 7-0 record and six finishes to his name. For Goozie, this isn’t just a fight — it’s a mission—the culmination of years of sacrifice, setbacks, and sheer will.
Built Different: The Road to UFC 317
For most, making it to the UFC is a dream. For Alvin, it’s another day at the office — just a little louder. “Has any part of my journey been easy? Nope. Just another day at the office. A big one, but another one,” he told Fight Chapel. That mindset has carried him from regional cards to the UFC prelims inside T-Mobile Arena.
Even with the magnitude of UFC 317 settling in, Alvin isn’t flinching. “It’s still a lot, but I’m handling it well. As long as I stick to my game plan and fight the guy, all the other stuff will take care of itself.”
It’s that calm, blue-collar confidence that makes Goozie a problem.
Violence is the Strategy
Let’s be clear — Alvin Hines doesn’t fight for points. He’s not here to eke out decisions. He’s here to put people away.
Six finishes in seven wins tell the story. And when asked about Diniz, Hines didn’t mince words: “If he makes it fifteen minutes, the water’s gonna get deep real fast.”
It’s not just bravado. Hines blends power with pressure and grit with a game plan. He’s a heavyweight who doesn’t wait — he hunts.
And while undefeated records don’t always tell the full story, Alvin’s record matters to him. “That’s a big deal to me,” he said. “He better be hungry. He better be really worried.”
Fighting With a Union Behind Him
There’s something special about Alvin’s rise — and it’s not just the knockouts. It’s the community backing him every step of the way.
“It’s one big family, and they’re super pumped, dude,” he said of his support system. From his gym family to his union family at Local 49, Alvin’s journey has never been a solo act. “I made it, and a lot of thanks to them and God.”
This isn’t just a fighter chasing fame. It’s a man carrying his people with him into the cage.
Countdown to Chaos
Fight week is always a mix of nerves and nostalgia, and Alvin is embracing every bit of it. From the UFC-issued gear to his first walk under the lights, it’s all part of the dream.
“Can I even picture what Tuesday is gonna be like? No, man,” he said with a laugh. “I just hope I ordered the right sizes.”
That humility — paired with a deep desire to wreck shop — is why fans are already rallying behind him. “This is the WrestleMania of UFC cards,” he said. “Love you guys, man. I’m gonna put it on him in ten days.”
This is Just the Start
Whether it’s a highlight-reel finish or a gritty war, Alvin “Goozie” Hines is here to stay. In a heavyweight division hungry for new blood, a win at UFC 317 could launch him straight into the rankings conversation.
“We made it, man,” he said. “Let’s go.”
Final Word
From casino halls to the UFC, Alvin Hines is proof that heart, hustle, and faith can take you all the way. On June 28th, the whole world gets introduced to Goozie — but the real ones already knew.
