Marc Diakiese is still undefeated in MMA (Picture: Getty)

Marc Diakiese is the name on every British UFC fan’s lips, but the lightweight is desperate for every MMA supporter to know his name.

Michael Chandler signs with UFC and goes straight into lightweight title picture

The 24-year-old has hit the ground running in the UFC, sent his opponents crashing to the canvas in spectacular fashion.

Diakiese is fresh off an explosive stoppage over Teemu Packalen at UFC London and is already itching to get back into the octagon.

A fight with American Paul Felder seemed to be in the works, before Diakiese pulled the plug on the potential match up.


‘I was interested (in Felder), but then I’ve had a little sit down with my coaches and manager,’ Diakiese told Metro.co.uk.

Three wins in a row have helped to hype Diakiese’s rise (Picture: Getty)

‘I want somebody ranked, somebody that has performed well, someone up there.



‘I can’t go backwards, I can only go forwards.’

Diakiese has yet to grace the main billing of a UFC card with just three fights in the promotion, but he insisted he has more than earned an upgrade.

All my knockouts go viral, don't be the next victim ? — Bonecrusher (@Marc_Diakiese) March 29, 2017

‘I definitely need a main card slot, because all my fights have been brilliant, so I think it’s time to make that step,’ he said.

‘I’m looking at a lot of different names, but whoever the UFC gives me I’m happy to go ahead, as long as their ranked.

Charles Oliveira first-round finish of Will Brooks at UFC 210 impressed Diakiese (Picture: Getty)

‘I seen Charles Oliveira’s last fight, I liked that.

‘I think he’s moved up to lightweight now, I’m not sure if he’s staying there or not, but we’ll see.

‘I’ll fight any fighter who is ranked and willing to fight.’

Diakiese’s attitude and style has caught the attentions of the UFC world as he has mixed in audacious kicks with thundering right hands.

The spinning kicks that delighted UFC bosses in London were learnt just a week before the fight and Diakiese admitted he feeds off his growing popularity.

‘My goal is one thing and that is to go for the title,’ he said.

Diakiese has six knockouts from 12 wins (Picture: Getty)

‘I feel like at the moment I’m just another UFC fighter.

‘I don’t want to be like the rest of them. That’s my aim, to get to that title.’

60 Seconds with Marc Diakiese & Two Big Right Hands Great times at the UFC this weekend catching up with everyone for an awesome show. There were some incredibly talented up and coming British athletes featured on the card, including a particular performance from Marc Diakiese that was sensational. This was not the first time he used his right hand to such effect – two times previously I was ringside to witness his incredible overhand technique while commentating. His combination of speed, power, accuracy, and timing is truly remarkable. Watch and enjoy! Geplaatst door Chris Hoekstra op Zondag 19 maart 2017

He added: ‘I like to please the crowd, I like them screaming my name. Knowing who I am, every time I get out there I want to hear that.

‘I want them to know who I am. I go for the performance every time, and that’s what I’ve done.’

Like Diakiese at UFC London, Oliveira earned a performance of the night bonus as he announced himself to the lightweight division.

But the Brazilian was quick to insist he wanted to return to featherweight meaning a fight with Diakiese could be off the cards.

Despite the potential roadblock, Diakiese did not sound concerned and is targeting a fight, whoever it may be against, in Glasgow or Las Vegas.



‘I’ve not heard anything, there’s a show July 8 (UFC 213) in Vegas and obviously there’s Glasgow (on July 16), Diakiese said.

‘I’m going back to the States at the end of this month, so I’ll be ready whenever they call.’

Diakiese is still only 24 (Picture: Getty)

He added: ‘I want to be ranked by the end of this year.

‘I want people to think I’m close to that title contender (status).

‘I want to be ready for it early next year. I’m going to try keep busy, busy this year.’

MORE: Cub Swanson dislikes Artem Lobov because he did not earn UFC contract