Career
Early career Hinkle was offered a fight in Brazil for $1000 and an all-expenses paid trip. He accepted and made his professional debut against future PRIDE veteran Ebenezer Fontes Braga in 1998 for the International Vale Tudo organization in Brazil. The inexperienced Hinkle lost the fight by submission (triangle choke).
After amassing a 12-6-1 record, with wins over Travis Fulton, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, and Jorge Rivera, Hinkle was signed by the UFC. Ultimate Fighting Championship Hinkle made his UFC debut against Sean Gannon at UFC 55.
Gannon, a former Boston police officer, had gained fame for defeating Kimbo Slice in an organized but unsanctioned fight that had was uploaded onto YouTube. Post-UFC Hinkle was knocked out by punches.
HInkle then debuted in Pancrase, but lost by submission (rear-naked choke). Hinkle has held the following titles:.