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Marc Diakiese announced himself in the UFC lightweight division last month with a debut victory over Lukasz Sajewski. in Manchester, England, at UFC 204.



Having finished the Pole in the second round of their fight-card opener, the British man was quick to request another fight before 2016 ended. Diakiese’s wish was granted, and he was scheduled for UFC Fight Night 102 set for Dec. 9 in Albany, New York.



“After UFC 204, I came out injury free, so I just told my manager that I wanted another fight in before the end of the year,” Diakiese said. “They came to me with this fight and I’m really happy. It’s a great opportunity for me to show everyone in America what I’m all about.



“I think everyone back at home knows who I am and what I can do, but I know I’ve still got to get the attention of some people in American and I think a win here will do that.”



Looking back at UFC 204

Reflecting on his debut now, the man from Doncaster was happy with the result and the reaction he got from his home crowd, but he’s aware that he still has areas to improve before he next steps inside the Octagon.



“My debut was OK, yeah, I guess it was fine,” Diakiese said. “The crowd was amazing. I knew it was going to be crazy, but I didn’t think I’d have that much support. Everyone got behind me and I’m really thankful for that. They made it a special night and one I’ll never forget.”



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He refused to consider his performance without flaws, however.



“I know what I did wrong," Diakiese said. "I made a few mistakes and I could’ve finished it earlier, but I’ve learned from it and I went back to the gym and worked on the things I could’ve done better. It was just my debut. I don’t think I made loads of mistakes or anything, but at the same time, I know I’ve got loads more potential than what I showed. No one has seen anything yet.”



Not concerned with being the enemy

Having fought in his home country for his debut, Diakiese must now make the trip across the pond to the east coast of America for the UFC’s second show slated for the state of New York.



The former BAMMA lightweight champion is aware this time around he will enter the contest with the crowd likely against him, but he didn’t seem overly concerned by it.



“I’m not doing that much different to prepare,” Diakiese said. “I’m preparing for whatever comes. Three five-minute rounds, but to be honest, I know it won’t last that long. People will boo me walking in but by the time I’m finished with their boy, I’m going to be given respect walking out.



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“It's good for him he’s got that support, but they won’t be with us there in the cage. I’m going out there and I’m going to be giving it my all. Cheers or boos won’t stop me.”



Making Perez regret his retirement reversal

His opponent, Frankie Perez, announced his retirement back in August 2015 but revoked his decision earlier this year, deciding to return. Diakiese believes he’s facing a confused man and that by the time Perez steps in the Octagon again he will regret his decision to return.



“I’ve watched a few of his [Perez’s] fights and I’ve not been that impressed,” Diakiese said. “I saw his last few fights and he got hit on the chin a few times. I can’t say much about him to be honest. He seems to think we are going to have a war, but by the looks of it he just gets hit a lot. I’m going to go out there and just let him know that he’s in the wrong place.”



Predicting a finish

Confidence isn’t something Diakiese lacks, and he predicted his fight with Perez wouldn’t go the distance Dec. 9.



“He quit already at the age of 26—he shouldn’t be in this sport,” Diakiese said. “I think he’s doing this for the wrong reasons now. He trains with top-level guys all in the UFC and just wants to be a name. He’s not got the heart, he's a quitter and he shouldn’t be here. He’s going to see he’s met the wrong guy.



“I’m going to feel him out and then finish him in the second. I need that $50,000 bonus and believe me, I’m looking for that performance of the night check.”